What is the concept of groupthink?

The concept of groupthink refers to a situation where the desire for harmony and conformity within a group results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. In such instances, members of the group prioritize consensus over critical thinking and individual dissent, which can lead to flawed conclusions and poor choices.

Groupthink occurs when the desire to maintain group cohesion overshadows the need to realistically appraise alternative viewpoints or solutions. This phenomenon can stifle creativity, suppress dissenting opinions, and lead to a lack of consideration for the potential consequences of decisions made. Groups experiencing groupthink may ignore or dismiss critical information that contradicts the prevailing view, ultimately harming the effectiveness of their decision-making process.

In contrast, methods focused on improving group decision-making skills seek to enhance the quality and openness of discussions, while conflict resolution strategies aim to manage disagreements constructively. Fostering diverse opinions is also about embracing a broad range of ideas to promote richer discussions and better outcomes, which directly opposes the principles of groupthink.