Definition
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. Group members try to minimize conflict and reach a consensus decision without critical evaluation of alternative viewpoints.
Why It Matters
It identifies the psychological pressure for conformity that can lead to disastrous collective decisions, even among highly intelligent individuals. Awareness of groupthink is the first step toward building resilient teams that value dissent and objective analysis over social harmony.
Core Concepts
- Illusion of Invulnerability: Creating excessive optimism and encouraging risk-taking.
- Collective Rationalization: Discounting warnings and not reconsidering assumptions.
- Belief in Inherent Morality: Ignoring ethical or moral consequences of decisions.
- Stereotyped Views of Out-groups: Viewing “enemies” as too evil to warrant genuine negotiation, or too weak/stupid to pose a threat.
- Direct Pressure on Dissenters: Members are under pressure not to express arguments against any of the group’s views.
- Self-Censorship: Doubts and deviations from the perceived group consensus are not expressed.
- Illusion of Unanimity: The majority view and judgments are assumed to be unanimous.
- Self-Appointed Mindguards: Members protect the group and the leader from information that is problematic or contradictory to the group’s cohesiveness, view, and/or decisions.