Groupthink

1
Groupthink

• Theorist Janis

2
Groupthink Defined

• A way of deliberating that group members use when
  the desire for unanimity overrides their
  motivation to assess all available plans of
  action.

3
Assumptions That Guide the Theory

• Group problem solving is primarily a unified
  process.
• Affiliative constraint group members hold input
  r/t risk rejection.

4
(assumptions, cont.)

• Groups and group decision making are frequently
  complex.
• Group members must be aware of the alternatives
  available to them.
• Must understand fellow group members
• Deal w/different influences including age, size
  of group, sex, intelligence, leadership styles,
  etc.
• Operate knowing theyll be judged by others.

5
(assumptions, cont.)

• Homogeneity group members have some kind of
  similar characteristic as a group
• (3) Cohesiveness work-together-ability the
  glue that holds the group together.
• Cohesion is good too much cohesion is bad.

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Conditions of Groupthink

• High Cohesiveness
• Specific characteristics of the environment in
  which the group functions.

7
(conditions, cont.)

• Stressful internal and external characteristics
• Group insulation (closed system)
• Lack of impartial leadership
• Lack of decision making procedures
• Stress on group internal and external

8
Symptoms of groupthink

• Overestimation of group
• Illusion of invulnerability
• Belief in the inherent morality of the group
• Closed mindedness
• Out group sterotypes
• Collective rationalization

9
(symptoms cont.)

• Pressure towards uniformity
• Self-censorship
• Illusion of unanimity
• Self-appointed mindguards
• Pressure on dissenters