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Questions and Answers
What is the role of a mindguard in a decision-making group?
What is the role of a mindguard in a decision-making group?
Which symptom of groupthink is illustrated when dissenting opinions are rationalized away?
Which symptom of groupthink is illustrated when dissenting opinions are rationalized away?
What role does a mindguard play in the decision-making process?
What role does a mindguard play in the decision-making process?
Which approach is critically important to prevent groupthink?
Which approach is critically important to prevent groupthink?
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What best describes the effect of peer pressure in groupthink scenarios?
What best describes the effect of peer pressure in groupthink scenarios?
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What is the focus of the Green Hat in the Six Thinking Hats method?
What is the focus of the Green Hat in the Six Thinking Hats method?
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How does self-censorship contribute to the dynamics of groupthink?
How does self-censorship contribute to the dynamics of groupthink?
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What is a likely consequence of the symptom of unanimity in groupthink?
What is a likely consequence of the symptom of unanimity in groupthink?
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How should a leader contribute to mitigate groupthink during discussions?
How should a leader contribute to mitigate groupthink during discussions?
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Which statement correctly describes the Black Hat role in decision-making?
Which statement correctly describes the Black Hat role in decision-making?
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What is a primary characteristic of groupthink?
What is a primary characteristic of groupthink?
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Which of the following is considered a precondition for groupthink?
Which of the following is considered a precondition for groupthink?
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What symptom of groupthink involves decision-makers feeling beyond criticism?
What symptom of groupthink involves decision-makers feeling beyond criticism?
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Which example illustrates the consequences of groupthink within an organization?
Which example illustrates the consequences of groupthink within an organization?
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Which of the following does NOT typically contribute to groupthink?
Which of the following does NOT typically contribute to groupthink?
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What behavior reflects the symptom of self-censorship in a groupthink scenario?
What behavior reflects the symptom of self-censorship in a groupthink scenario?
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Which statement best describes the 'morality' symptom of groupthink?
Which statement best describes the 'morality' symptom of groupthink?
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In the context of groupthink, what does rationalization involve?
In the context of groupthink, what does rationalization involve?
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Study Notes
Organizational Theory: Groupthink
- Groupthink is a phenomenon where group members prioritize maintaining harmony and cohesiveness over critical evaluation of ideas. This often results in poor and potentially harmful decision-making.
- Humans get trapped in a web of their own creations, organizations and their members are trapped in their own realities and ways of thinking.
- Groupthink examples include:
- The Japan auto industry in the 1970s: North American automakers underestimated the competition from fuel-efficient Japanese cars.
- Blockbuster's inability to adapt to Netflix.
- Kodak's failure to embrace digital photography.
- Key elements of Groupthink:
- High cohesiveness: Little critical judgment and weak opposition.
- Isolation: Groups insulated from external feedback or diverse viewpoints.
- Embedded values: Pre-existing organizational or group values.
- Lack of diversity of thought: Similar backgrounds or experiences in the group.
- Directive leadership: Leaders with very strong opinions can stifle debate.
- Desire for group belonging: Fear of being excluded or ostracized.
- Preconditions of groupthink lead to poor and potentially immoral decisions.
- High cohesiveness.
- Stressful and demanding environment.
- Established group values deeply entrenched.
- Lack of diversity of ideas.
- Directive leadership.
- Desire for group belonging.
- The 'Old Boys Club' mentality.
Symptoms of Groupthink
- Invulnerability: Decision-makers are overconfident and believe in the group's invincibility.
- Rationalization: Dismiss or rationalize any negative opinions or data that contradict the group.
- Stereotyping: Negative judgments of people or groups outside of the organization.
- Morality: The group believes its decisions are inherently moral and just, even if not.
- Pressure on dissenters: Leaders or powerful members pressure any dissenters to conform.
- Self-censorship: Members fail to express dissenting opinions due to fear.
- Unanimity illusion: The assumption that everyone agrees within the group (even if silent).
- Mindguards: Members protect leaders from negative viewpoints.
Avoiding Groupthink
- Educate members on groupthink pitfalls.
- Use "Thinking Hats" (Six Thinking Hats technique): Encourage diverse perspectives. Include Devil's advocate.
- Increased awareness of all perspectives, including causes, consequences -- engage stakeholders.
- Conduct thorough risk assessments to uncover hidden issues.
- Use outside experts or audit teams to evaluate issues.
- Have different groups analyze the same issue.
- Should have leaders of decision-making groups act as neutral facilitators.
- Encourage contrasting opinions and diverse perspectives.
- Hold multiple discussion meetings before making a final decision.
- Discuss intended decision with stakeholders before implementation.
Groupthink: Six Thinking Hats
- White Hat: Factual data, figures, and information.
- Black Hat: Critical judgments, possible problems, potential dangers.
- Red Hat: Emotions, gut feelings, intuition, hunches, ideas.
- Blue Hat: Organization of thought process, strategies for evaluating ideas, guiding the discussion.
- Yellow Hat: Possibilities, advantages, benefits, and opportunities.
- Green Hat: Creativity and new ideas, alternative solutions.
Jonestown Case
- Groupthink is showcased in the Jonestown tragedy through the following factors:
- Cult leader's charismatic authority.
- Isolation and manipulation of followers.
- Fear of reprisal for opposing Jim Jones or leaving.
- Powerful and constant pressure to conform.
- Creating a fabricated external enemy to unite group members.
- False sense of unity and purpose.
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Description
Explore the concept of groupthink in organizational settings. This quiz examines how groups prioritize harmony over critical evaluation, leading to poor decision-making. Learn through real-world examples from industries such as automotive, entertainment, and photography.
