Groupthink and Power Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the symptoms and prevention of Groupthink, the five sources of power, and various responses to power dynamics.

Groupthink

Mode of thinking that happens when striving for unanimity within a cohesive group becomes more important than problem

Symptoms of Groupthink

1. Overly optimistic group. Leads to illusion of invulnerability 

2. Illusion of morality  to the point where the group feels it is unquestionability right 

3. Shared stereotypes of an enemy. For examples members of another group are perceived as weak and stupid 

4. Direct pressure on deviant members to conform which causes the idea for members to keep quiet for the sake of unity 

5. Self-censorship. Members monitor themselves and refrain from voicing disagreements 

6. Illusion of unanimity. Illusion of cohesiveness and stifling diverse opinions and information

Steps to Prevent Groupthink

1. Assign a role of a critical evaluator - someone whose purpose  is to question decisions and alternatives - Kyrstin 

2. Create a norm of critical evaluation. There should be period of questioning by all members 

3. Leaders should remain impartial at first and obtain alternate opinions instead of subjugating everyone to your opinion

4. Divide into independent subgroups, discuss ideas, and then compare. Diverse ideas

5. Seek fresh outside new ideas 

6. Be Vigilant and consider alternatives

Power

The ability to influence others toward a goal. Is given by others

Sources of Power

Coercive, Reward, Legitimate, Expert, Referent

Coercive

One has control over undesirable consequences.
Uses threats and reprisals.

Reward

One has control over undesirable consequences.
Uses promises and payments.
Uses incentives and motivation to persuade people

Legitimate

One holds a position in which power is associated. Like CEO or boss or manager
Obedience to legitimate authority preserves social order

Expert

Uses information as power
One has knowledge or experience of an important issue so they are automatically trustworthy and an “opinion leader”
This can lead to the halo effect in which some are viewed as experts on other subjects beside the original expertise

Referent

Personal qualities gain individuals powers
CHARISMA
Respected or admired as a role model

Symptoms of Power

Who defines things, concepts, or people

Whose decisions are followed

Who opposes significant change

Language use - powerful instead of powerless speech

Nonverbal signs - eye contact, relaxed, etc.

Responses to Power

Aggression and violence do to power imbalances
Acceptance do to some people or culture use to accepting more power than others

Compliance

Conformity and obedience despite disagreement

Alliance

Subgroups form for mutual benefit especially for weaker members

Resistance

Covert Noncompliance. However not straight defiance
Through strategic stupidity, Acting clumsy, Selective amnesia, misunderstanding mirages, tactical tardiness, procrastination, etc.

Defiance

Overt Noncompliance - threats of contagion as others may defy as well

Response like reason seduction coercion and isolation

Significance aka Self Empowerment

Assertive rather than aggressive