what is groupthink?

Question

what are its implications for decision making

Answer 1

Groupthink is a type of thought exhibited by group members who try to minimize conflict and reach consensus without critically testing, analyzing, and evaluating ideas. Groupthink may cause groups to make hasty, irrational decisions, where individual doubts are set aside, for fear of upsetting the group’s balance. The term is usually used as a derogatory term after the results of a bad decision.

Answer 2

Groupthink = tendency of group members of cohesive groups to lose their ability to evaluate critically

Groups affected by groupthink ignore alternatives and tend to take irrational actions that dehumanize other groups.  A group is especially vulnerable to groupthink when its members are similar in background, when the group is insulated from outside opinions, and when there are no clear rules for decision making.

Groupthink occurs when groups are highly cohesive and when they are under considerable pressure to make a quality decision.
Some ways to avoid groupthink:
Assign role of “devil’s advocate” at meeting
Impartial leader
Subgroups work on same problem
“second-chance” meetings
Members discuss issues with outsiders and report back