Why Is Groupthink Bad?

Groupthink is a deterioration of mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgment that results from in-group pressure (Verderber, Verderber, & Sellnow, 2011). Groups affected by groupthink ignore alternatives and tend to take irrational actions that dehumanize other groups (Miller, 2010). 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 (Miller, 2010). As suggested by Janis Groupthink develops when there is: a strong, persuasive group leader, a high level of group cohesion, and intense pressure from the outside to make a good decision. In fact, it is now widely recognized that Groupthink-like behavior is found in many situations as well as across many types of groups and team settings. Symptoms of Groupthink consist of rationalization, peer pressure, complacency, moral high ground, stereotyping, censorship, and illusion of unanimity. So when you are in a group or team setting it is important to look out for the key symptoms of Groupthink. Groupthink can negatively affect group communication and problem solving. Two well-known examples of Groupthink in action are the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster and the Bay of Pigs invasion (“Mindtools.com,” 2012). Engineers of the Challenger space shuttle knew about some faulty parts months before takeoff. But due to the fact that they did not want negative press they pushed ahead with the launch anyway. With the Bay of Pigs invasion, President Kennedy made a decision and the people around him supported it despite their own concerns (“Mindtools.com,” 2012). Those two well-known examples are just a couple of reasons why you want to avoid Groupthink. A challenge for any team or group leader is to be able to create a working environment in which Groupthink is unlikely to happen. Therefore, it is important to understand the risks of Groupthink whether the