Recognize and Avoid Groupthink

Published: Nov 26, 2004

Application

Well-established groups tend to become dangerously cohesive in the interest of efficiency. Small business owners may encounter these or may even create their own. Cohesiveness is a contributor to a condition called, 'Groupthink.'

How to Recognize Groupthink

As the name implies, a decision-making group becomes dysfunctional when certain conditions develop:

Members have the illusion the group is invulnerable and infallible.
The group rationalizes away data which is contrary to their assumptions and beliefs.
Some members appoint themselves as "mindguards" to protect the group from conflicting data.
There's unquestioned belief in the group's inherent morality.
Members stereotype competitors as weak, evil, stupid, etc.
Some members apply pressure on deviants to conform.
Any censorship is conducted by the members themselves.
There's an appearance of unanimity with silence interpreted as consent.

Can you recognize the danger when such a group controls essential decision making?

How to Avoid Groupthink

There are ways to prevent groupthink conditions from developing:

Have the leader encourage open expression of doubt.
The leader accepts criticism of his or her opinions.
Higher status members offer their opinions last.
Periodically divide into subgroups.
Get recommendations from other groups and other independent sources.
Individual members get opinions or reactions to decisions from trusted outsiders.
Frequently invite trusted outsiders to join discussions.
Assign someone the role of Devil's Advocate.
Develop scenarios of a competitor's actions or reactions to the group's decisions.

Cohesiveness can be good for effective decision-making as long as groupthink does not seep in.

Stories

John Delorean: His Years at General Motors

This story was written many years ago. Yet, it is still a good study in management gone wrong at any time. Amazon.com has copies for little more than a penny. It's worth your time for reading, "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors by Patrick J. Wright"

Submitted by: Nephew Gerry

Outcomes

Maintain healthy functional groups for making good decisions.
Recognize a dysfunctional group paralyzed by groupthink.