What does the term "groupthink" describe?

The term "groupthink" describes a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, where the desire for harmony or conformity leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcomes. In an environment where groupthink takes hold, members may suppress dissenting viewpoints, fail to critically analyze alternatives, or ignore potential risks in order to maintain consensus and avoid conflict.

This often results in poor decisions because the group becomes less innovative and creative, relying on consensus over critical thinking. The emphasis on agreement can lead to a lack of thorough discussion and evaluation of all possible options, which hinders effective problem-solving. Groupthink is typically characterized by symptoms such as illusions of invulnerability, collective rationalization, and a belief in the inherent morality of the group, contributing further to suboptimal outcomes.

Understanding groupthink is essential in organizational behavior and human relations because it underscores the importance of fostering an environment where multiple perspectives are encouraged, informed dissent is valued, and constructive debate can lead to better decision-making processes.