Define Groupthink and Summarize the Factors That Promote Groupthink

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The Answer is Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people when the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. In other words, groupthink occurs when the members of a group prioritize consensus and unanimity over critical thinking and independent judgment.

There are several factors that promote groupthink within a group. These include:

1. Cohesive group dynamics: When group members are highly cohesive and have a strong desire to maintain harmony within the group, they may be more likely to engage in groupthink.

2. Directive leadership: If the leader of the group is directive and expresses their opinions early on, it can discourage dissenting viewpoints and lead to groupthink.

3. Insulation from outside perspectives: When a group is isolated from outside influences and does not seek diverse perspectives, they are more likely to engage in groupthink.

4. High stress situations: In high-stress situations, group members may be more inclined to prioritize consensus and conformity over critical thinking.

5. Illusion of invulnerability: When group members believe that their group is invulnerable or inherently moral, they may be more likely to engage in groupthink and ignore potential risks or negative outcomes.

Overall, groupthink can have detrimental effects on decision-making and problem-solving within a group, and it is important for group members to be aware of these factors in order to prevent groupthink from occurring.

Define Groupthink and Summarize the Factors That Promote Groupthink

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