1. Groupthink
When group members striving for agreement (norm for unanimity), fail to realistically appraise alternative courses of action
A means for a group to protect its positive image (extremely high in cohesion)

2. Groupthink video Identify factors that may lead to groupthink
Identify “symptoms” of groupthink
Identify methods to minimize groupthink

3. Antecedents of Groupthink
Factors that may lead to groupthink
High levels of cohesion
Stressful decision-making context
External pressure
Tight budgets
Recent failures

4. Symptoms of Groupthink
Illusion of unanimity (false consensus)
Silence implies agreement
“I’m not going to call for a vote, I think we are all in agreement here”
“We’ve decided..”
Challenger example
Self-censorship
Not speaking up (feeling of tension caused by pressure to be silent & internally wanting to speak up)
“I had a few objections, but since everybody seems committed, I won’t bring them up.”

5. Symptoms of Groupthink (cont)
Illusion of invulnerability & Rationalization
“Our strategy has worked in the past, odds are it will again”
“We are the best military in the world, what do we have to worry about”
Mindguards
“No need for you to be at the meeting; I’ll summarize your concerns for the board”

6. Ways to Minimize Groupthink
Avoid isolating the group
Bring in outside experts
JFK example
Critical evaluators / Devil’s advocate
Role is to question assumptions and uncontested information
Open climate
Leader invites and accepts divergent thinking
Avoid being directive
Strong leaders speak last or sometimes not at all