PSYC 220 Jigsaw classroom; Groupthink

the tendency of decision making groups to suppress dissent in the interest of group harmony. Poor group decision making based on inadequate consideration of alternatives.

what is the definition of group think

Irving Janis

who is the primary researcher

1. the group is valued and they want to be apart of it

2. the group could be isolated or protected from hearing alternative viewpoints

3. the leader controls all decisions

• the group could feel invincible like they can do no wrong

• believe they are morally correct

• they create an out group

• people avoid rocking the boat

• could be pressured to conform to the majority

• there is the illusion that everyone agrees

• group members prevent the leader from hearing different viewpoints

• incomplete amount of alternatives

• fail to examine risk

• poor search for information

Antecedents of groupthink [consequences]

• cohesive groups

• isolated groups

• directive leader who signals what decision he or she favors

symptoms of groupthink

how it results in defective decision making

1. leader should be impartial - not endorsing any position

2. encourage critical evaluation - have a devils advocate

3. occasionally subdivide group then reunite to see differences

4. welcome critiques from outside experts

5. before going through with final decision allow for lingering doubts to be expressed

how can group think be prevented