What is Groupthink?
342 reads · Last updated: December 5, 2024
Groupthink is a phenomenon that occurs when a group of individuals reaches a consensus without critical reasoning or evaluation of the consequences or alternatives. Groupthink is based on a common desire not to upset the balance of a group of people.This desire creates a dynamic within a group whereby creativity and individuality tend to be stifled in order to avoid conflict.
Definition
Groupthink refers to the phenomenon where a group of individuals reaches a consensus without critical reasoning or evaluation of consequences or alternatives. It is based on a common desire not to disrupt the balance of a group, creating a dynamic where creativity and individuality are suppressed to avoid conflict.
Origin
The concept of groupthink was first introduced by psychologist Irving Janis in 1972. He identified its effects through studies of historical decision-making failures, such as the Bay of Pigs invasion by the United States.
Categories and Features
Groupthink typically exhibits several features: overconfidence, collective rationalization, ignoring external opinions, pressure for conformity, and suppression of dissent. It is common in highly cohesive groups, especially when there is a lack of external input during decision-making processes.
Case Studies
A classic example is the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, where decision-makers collectively agreed on the invasion plan without adequately considering alternatives and potential consequences. Another example is the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, where dissenting opinions were ignored, leading to flawed intelligence assessments.
Common Issues
Investors may encounter groupthink in team decision-making, leading to a lack of innovation and poor decisions. A common misconception is that consensus is always beneficial, but in reality, critical thinking and diverse perspectives are crucial for successful decision-making.
