Groupthink

Groupthink is defined in our textbook as a “dysfunction in which group members see the harmony of the group as being more important than considering new ideas, critically examining their own assumptions, changing their own flawed decisions, or allowing new members to participate.” It can been linked to Enron, Vioxx, Firestone tires, Savings and Loan collapses of the 80’s in business. Pearl Harbor, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the Bay of Pigs, and, more recently, the war in Iraq in government. Dr. Irving Janis offers four key preventative strategies for avoiding groupthink. He says the leader should establish an open climate, avoid the isolation of the group, assign the role of critical evaluator, and avoid being too directive. It’s obvious that groupthink is a very dangerous thing, costing both money and lives. Avoiding it, while difficult, is critical to maintaining a healthy work, school, and government environments.