Groupthink Awareness
Groupthink Awareness
Groupthink Awareness is becoming aware of this phenomenon where the need for harmony or conformity in a group brings irrational or dysfunctional decisions. It is very important because the teams and the organizations can detect the risks and the fact that some of the decisions were wrong due to the lack of dissent and the lack of critical evaluation.
What are the main characteristics of groupthink?
Groupthink shows specific warning flags like a false sense of invulnerability, collective rationalization, and the idea of a group entitled to act morally. For instance, the U.S. officials who made decisions about the Bay of Pigs invasion did not listen to any cautions and absolutely not a single voice against them. Thus, it was the major factor that resulted in an unsuccessful operation. Detecting these signs will aid the teams to evade groupthink drowning.
How can organizations promote groupthink awareness?
A way to help organizations to recognize & minimize groupthink is to create an environment that promotes open communication, structured critical discussions, and appointing someone responsible for opposing the majority view. At the same time, sending out regular feedback forms online and conducting surveys will be the best ways to bring hidden opposing views to the fore and thus, cultivate a sense of belonging amongst a variety of people.
What are the consequences of ignoring groupthink in decision-making?
Individualistic groupthink is at times a cause of poor decision, as vital information may be skipped and alternate solutions may not be considered to the matter. The same case was with Challenger space shuttle disaster, where the group members were pressured to conform which ultimately led to the death of astronauts. The resultant incidents demonstrate the need for the establishment of an atmosphere in which an individual is comfortable airing an opinion.
What strategies can individuals use to identify groupthink in their teams?
By paying attention to flags like insufficient critical discussion, the existence of conformity pressure and the briefings of person’s alternative opinions, people could find the existence of groupthink in their teams. Actively asking for remarks, displaying contrasting opinions, and making the environment in which it is welcomed to question can counter groupthink and help with the decision-making process.