Groupthink The desire for harmony in a group can result in irrational decisions

What Is the Optimum Group Size for a Conversation?

Group Polarization

Groupthink is a cognitive bias that occurs when group members prioritize harmony and conformity over critical thinking and independent decision-making, leading to poor decision-making and a lack of creativity.

Groupthink is a phenomenon that occurs when the members of a group make a decision or come to a conclusion without adequately considering all of the available options or alternatives. It is characterized by a desire for harmony and conformity within the group, which can lead to a lack of critical thinking and a failure to consider the potential consequences of a decision.

Groupthink can occur in any type of group. Still, it is more likely to happen in highly cohesive groups, insulated from outside influences and with a strong desire to reach a consensus. It can lead to poor decision-making and a lack of creativity and innovation within the group.

Several factors can contribute to groupthink, including the presence of a strong leader who dominates the discussion, the lack of diversity within the group, and the lack of an effective decision-making process.

To avoid groupthink, it is crucial for groups to encourage open and honest communication, to seek out diverse perspectives, and to have a structured process for making decisions that allows for the consideration of multiple options.

If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.

Credit: George Patton

Resources

• HBR Article: The Problem-Solving Process That Prevents Groupthink

Posts that link to this post

•  The Impact of Cognitive Biases in Conversation Cognitive biases can lead to flawed or irrational conclusions in a conversation
•  Gurteen Knowledge Café: Entrenched and Entrained Thinking A blog post by Conrad Taylor

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