Essay On Group Think what It Is How To Prevent
Summary: Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where individuals in small cohesive groups tend to conform to a consensus, often leading to irrational or unwise decisions. It occurs when the group prioritizes cohesion and agreement over objectivity and rigorous examination. To avoid groupthink, objectives should be explored, alternatives considered, and open discussions should be encouraged without fear of reprisal. Psychologist Irving Janis described groupthink as a decline in mental efficiency and moral judgement caused by excessive consensus-seeking in-group decision-making.
Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people in which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. This happens when the group values consensus and cohesion over critical evaluation and examination of alternatives.
Groupthink can be quite detrimental, as it can lead to poor decisions, lack of creativity, and a failure to consider all available options. To prevent groupthink, several strategies can be implemented. It is crucial for the group to actively challenge assumptions and encourage dissent to avoid falling into the trap of groupthink.
One way to prevent groupthink is by encouraging the group to consider a variety of perspectives and alternatives. This involves promoting open discussion and welcoming dissenting opinions without the fear of reprisal. Additionally, it's important to assign the role of devil's advocate within the group to challenge prevailing opinions and encourage thorough examination of ideas.
Another crucial strategy is to maintain a level of critical thinking and objectivity within the group. This can be achieved by systematically evaluating decisions and alternatives, considering potential risks and drawbacks, and seeking input from diverse sources.
Furthermore, it's essential to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their viewpoints and ideas. This can be achieved by fostering a culture of open communication, where all members are encouraged to voice their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment or backlash.
In summary, groupthink is a significant psychological phenomenon that can hinder effective decision-making and problem-solving within a group. Employing strategies such as welcoming diverse perspectives, promoting open dialogue, and maintaining critical thinking can help prevent groupthink and lead to more informed and rational outcomes.
Sources:
- Janis, I. L. (1972). Victims of groupthink: A psychological study of foreign-policy decisions and fiascoes. Houghton Mifflin.
- Turner, M. E., & Pratkanis, A. R. (1998). Twenty-five years of groupthink theory and research: Lessons from the evaluation of a theory. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 73(2-3), 105-115.
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