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This page was translated from the German original, partly by machine. Some passages may read awkwardly or contain inaccuracies. When in doubt, please read the original.

Groupthink

In short

A craving for harmony makes groups blind to better alternatives.

All sweetness and light.

Definition​

The groupthink effect describes the tendency in groups to strive for consensus and harmony and in doing so to suppress or ignore dissenting opinions. This often leads to irrational or poor decisions.

Groups develop an illusion of unanimity that inhibits critical thinking and leads to important information and alternative solutions being overlooked.

DE: Gruppendenkeffekt

The groupthink effect is connected to various other psychological phenomena:

  • Conformity pressure: The wish to be accepted by the group suppresses dissenting opinions.
  • Confirmation bias: The group preferentially searches for information that confirms the shared consensus.
  • Obedience to authority: Opinions of leaders are adopted uncritically in order to avoid conflict.
  • Ingroup bias: Overestimation of one's own group and underestimation of external criticism or alternatives.
  • Pluralistic ignorance: Group members wrongly assume that others do not share their concerns.
  • Social proof: What the majority thinks is regarded as correct, even when it is objectively wrong.
  • Self-censorship: Individual doubts are not voiced in order to preserve group harmony.

Examples​

Corporate Decisions​

Team members agree to a project plan even though they have individual concerns, so as not to be seen as a "spoilsport." Warning signs of problems are ignored or played down so as not to endanger the consensus. This leads to costly bad decisions.

Political Bodies and Institutions​

In political bodies, critical voices are marginalized in order to demonstrate unity to the outside world. The Challenger disaster of 1986 is a famous example: engineers warned of the risks but were overruled in order to keep to the launch date.

Medical Teams​

In hospitals, hierarchical structures can lead to nurses or junior doctors not voicing concerns about treatment decisions, even when they suspect mistakes. This can lead to medical malpractice.

Effects​

  • Suppression of dissenting opinions and critical evaluation
  • Insufficient consideration of alternative approaches
  • Poor and irrational group decisions
  • Illusion of invulnerability and overconfidence of the group
  • Stereotyping and underestimation of outsiders
  • Self-censorship and social pressure on dissenters

Counter-Strategies​

  • Explicitly encourage critical thinking and dissenting opinions
  • Use techniques such as the devil's advocate for systematic criticism
  • Anonymous voting or feedback systems to reduce social pressure
  • Involve external perspectives and independent advisers
  • Deliberate pauses for individual reflection before group decisions
  • Leaders should be reticent at first and not voice their opinion in advance

Sources​

  • Wikipedia: Groupthink
  • Irving Janis (1972): "Victims of Groupthink: A Psychological Study of Foreign-Policy Decisions and Fiascoes"
  • Janis, I. L. (1982): "Groupthink: Psychological Studies of Policy Decisions and Fiascoes"