What are the factors that contribute to groupthink?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Essay should include:

Groupthink is a concept devised by Irving Janis in 1982 . It is a process by which factors of cohesiveness of the group and dynamic leadership may be more important to the decision making process of the group than the realities of the situation. Particularly if the group senses an external threat, the group may become more cohesive and may experience more stress. Under the effects of stress, and under the direction of a dynamic leader, group members may not examine all of the evidence in making decisions. Groupthink has been implicated in Watergate and the launch of the space shuttle Challenger. There are several characteristics that contribute to groupthink. First, the group feels invulnerable, or above the law. Second, the group believes in its correctness. Third, the group discredits information contrary to their wishes. Fourth, there is pressure on group members to conform. In this case, the desire to be uniform in opinion can override expertise. Finally, members of out-groups are negatively stereotyped. Each of these factors contributes to a situation in which group cohesiveness may be high, threats to the group may be perceived, and under a dynamic leader, poor decisions may be made. Ways to counteract groupthink include having leaders who encourage discussion and dissenting opinions.