Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a common characteristic of highly cohesive groups that can lead to Groupthink?
What is a common characteristic of highly cohesive groups that can lead to Groupthink?
Highly cohesive groups frequently fail to consider alternatives to their course of action.
What happens when group members think similarly and do not entertain contrary views?
What happens when group members think similarly and do not entertain contrary views?
They are unlikely to share unpopular or dissimilar ideas with others.
What is one way to prevent Groupthink in organisational communication?
What is one way to prevent Groupthink in organisational communication?
Encourage diverse perspectives and opinions within the group.
What is the purpose of brainstorming in group decision-making?
What is the purpose of brainstorming in group decision-making?
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What is the nominal group technique, and how does it differ from traditional group brainstorming?
What is the nominal group technique, and how does it differ from traditional group brainstorming?
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What is the Delphi technique, and how can it be used to prevent Groupthink?
What is the Delphi technique, and how can it be used to prevent Groupthink?
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What are some common symptoms of Groupthink?
What are some common symptoms of Groupthink?
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Why is it important to critically evaluate Groupthink in organisational communication?
Why is it important to critically evaluate Groupthink in organisational communication?
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How can a case study or scenario be used to illustrate Groupthink in organisational communication?
How can a case study or scenario be used to illustrate Groupthink in organisational communication?
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What is the relationship between Groupthink and organisational communication?
What is the relationship between Groupthink and organisational communication?
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Study Notes
Symptoms of Groupthink
- Overestimation of the Group: Members believe they can overcome any challenges.
- Illusion of Invulnerability: Groups feel immune to risks due to their perceived strength.
- Belief in the Inherent Morality of the Group: Confidence in the group’s decisions due to a belief in their fundamental goodness.
Closed-mindedness
- Out-group Stereotypes: Negative views of opponents, hindering objective evaluation.
- Collective Rationalization: Members dismiss warnings, believing in their decisions despite evidence to the contrary.
Pressure Towards Uniformity
- Self-censorship: Members suppress doubts or opposing views to maintain harmony.
- Illusion of Unanimity: Silence from members is mistaken for agreement, creating a false sense of consensus.
Self-appointed Mind Guards
- Information Protection: Certain individuals shield the group from adverse opinions or contradictory information.
Pressures on Dissenters
- Direct Influence: Dissenting members face pressure to conform and withdraw their contrary thoughts.
Preventing Groupthink
- Brainstorming: Encourages open communication and idea sharing to harness diverse perspectives.
- Nominal Group Technique: Structured method for generating and evaluating ideas while minimizing bias.
- Delphi Technique: Iterative approach for gathering expert opinions anonymously to ensure independent thought.
Context of Group Decision Making
- Complex Nature: Group decision-making can be influenced by various factors leading to inefficiencies in achieving goals.
- Homogeneity Risk: Groups composed of similar backgrounds are more susceptible to groupthink.
- Decision-Making Challenges: Poorly considered decisions may lead to groupthink.
Pre-conditions Leading to Groupthink
- Group Cohesiveness & Stress: High cohesiveness and external/internal pressures can lead to erroneous group decisions.
- Group Insulation: Limited consultation with outsiders restricts alternative viewpoints.
- Lack of Impartial Leadership: Leaders with personal stakes can sway group decisions.
- Absence of Structured Processes: Inefficient decision-making without established methods may encourage groupthink.
Identifying Groupthink Symptoms
- Groups must reflect on their dynamics and processes to recognize potential signs of groupthink impacting decision-making quality.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the symptoms of groupthink, including overestimation of the group, belief in inherent morality, closed-mindedness, and collective rationalization. Identify examples of group behaviors that indicate the presence of groupthink.
