GROUPTHINK

In cohesive groups, bad decisions may occur because group members are only exposed to limited information -- typically only information that supports the groups' decisions. Opposition from within is effectively stifled as members with dissenting opinions are sanctioned for being deviants. Neither opinions nor opposition from without are referenced.

The Group Think Syndrome is defined by Janis (1982) as:

"...a mode of thinking that people engage in... when the members' striving for unanimity overrides their motivation to realistically appraise alternative courses of action."

Informal group norms are established that apply pressure on individuals to preserve friendly group relations. As a result, the group avoids disagreements and does not seek out alternatives to critically evaluate.

It has been shown (Johnson and Johnson: 1994) that individuals try to avoid responsibility for their decisions by procrastinating on a decision or by rationalizing their agreement as group loyalty. The groupthink syndrome produces poor group decisions.

Characteristics of Group Think (per Janis):

Overestimate Group Strength

• Illusion of Invulnerability
  • Unquestioned Belief in Group's Morality
  • Become Close-Minded
  • Rationalization
• Stereotyped View of Opponent: consider out-group too evil or too weak or too unintelligent

Pressure Toward Uniformity

• Conformity Pressure: to avoid disapproval, most people fall into line

Self-Censorship: people withhold their misgivings

• Illusion of Unanimity
  • Mindguards: "other- censorship": protecting the leader from dissenting viewpoints