groupthink

Question 1

tendency for all members in a small

Answer 1

close-knit group to think alike, seek concurrence, and discourage dissent/disagreement

Question 2

individuals do not

Answer 2

want to be singled out as “different”

Question 3

Antecedent conditions:

Answer 3

1. Decision makers constitute a cohesive group
2. structural faults of the organization
3. Provocative situational context

Question 4

Symptoms of groupthink (3)

Answer 4

1. Overestimation of the group
2. Closed-mindedness
3. Pressure toward uniformity

Question 5

Type I: Overestimation of the group - symptoms of group think

Answer 5

1. . illusion of invulnerability
2. belief in inherent mortality of group

Question 6

Type II: Closed-mindedness - Symptoms of groupthink:

Answer 6

1. collective rationalization
2. stereotyping of outgroups

Question 7

Type III: Pressure toward uniformity - Symptoms of groupthink

Answer 7

1. self-censorship
2. direct pressure on dissenters
3. self-appointed “mindguards”
4. illusion of unanimity

Question 8

Preventing groupthink

Answer 8

1. critical evaluator
2. impartial
3. independent groups
4. subgroups
5. trusted associates
6. outside experts
7. devil’s advocate
8. rivals
9. “second chance

Question 9

Preventing groupthink - critical evaluators

Answer 9

leader should assign role of critical evaluator to each group member- encourage group to voice objections and doubts; leader must accept criticism of their own judgments

Question 10

impartial - Preventing groupthink

Answer 10

leader must be impartial when assigning task to a group

Question 11

independent groups - Preventing groupthink

Answer 11

set up several independent groups to work on the same problem, each under a different leader

Question 12

subgroups - Preventing groupthink

Answer 12

divide into subgroups which meet separately, then come together to discuss any differences

Question 13

trusted associates - Preventing groupthink

Answer 13

have members discuss group’s deliberations with trusted associates, and report their reactions back to the group

Question 14

outside experts - Preventing groupthink

Answer 14

. invite outside experts to challenge group’s views

Question 15

devil’s advocate - Preventing groupthink

Answer 15

appoint one member as a “devil’s advocate” who voices policy alternatives to counter confirmation bias

Question 16

rivals - Preventing groupthink

Answer 16

attend to warning signals and possible intentions of rivals

Question 17

second chance - Preventing groupthink

Answer 17

after achieving consensus, have a “second chance” meeting for members to express remaining doubts