Groupthink

1. Groupthink Theorist: Janis

2. Groupthink Defined A way of deliberating that group members use when the desire for unanimity overrides their motivation to assess all available plans of action.

3. Assumptions That Guide the Theory Group problem solving is primarily a unified process. Affiliative constraint: group members hold input r/t risk rejection.

4. (assumptions, cont.) Groups and group decision making are frequently complex. Group members must be aware of the alternatives available to them. Must understand fellow group members Deal w/different influences including age, size of group, sex, intelligence, leadership styles, etc. Operate knowing they�ll be judged by others.

5. (assumptions, cont.) Homogeneity � group members have some kind of similar characteristic as a group (3) Cohesiveness � work-together-ability: the glue that holds the group together. Cohesion is good � too much cohesion is bad.

6. Conditions of Groupthink High Cohesiveness Specific characteristics of the environment in which the group functions.

7. (conditions, cont.) Stressful internal and external characteristics Group insulation (closed system) Lack of impartial leadership Lack of decision making procedures Stress on group � internal and external

8. Symptoms of groupthink Overestimation of group Illusion of invulnerability Belief in the inherent morality of the group Closed mindedness Out group sterotypes Collective rationalization

9. (symptoms cont.) Pressure towards uniformity Self-censorship Illusion of unanimity Self-appointed mindguards Pressure on dissenters