Groupthink

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people when the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. Members of the group typically suppress dissenting viewpoints, ignore alternatives, and rush to make decisions without thorough evaluation. This often leads to reduced creativity, overlooked risks, and flawed decision-making. Groupthink is most likely to occur in highly cohesive groups where there is a strong directive leadership, lack of norms requiring methodical procedures, and homogeneity in members' social backgrounds and ideologies. To prevent groupthink, it is essential to encourage open communication, welcome diverse opinions, and seek external input.