Answer the following statements true (T) or false (F)

Question

1. One of the primary reasons norms are enforced is to leverage the group's power with management. 
2. Groupthink is a cohesive group's blind unwillingness to consider alternatives. 
3. A positive outcome of groupthink is the development of more alternative ideas. 
4. Allowing criticism of ideas helps prevent groupthink. 

Answer 1

1. FALSE
Norms tend to be enforced by group or team members for four reasons: to help the group survive, to clarify role expectations, to help individuals avoid embarrassing situations, and to emphasize the group's important values and identity.
2. TRUE
According to psychologist Irvin Janis, groupthink is a cohesive group's blind unwillingness to consider alternatives. In this phenomenon, group or team members are friendly and tight-knit, but they are unable to think "outside the box." Their "strivings for unanimity override their motivation to realistically appraise alternative courses of action," said Janis.
3. FALSE
Among the decision-making defects that can arise from groupthink is the reduction in alternative ideas. The principal casualty of groupthink is a shrinking universe of ideas. Decisions are made based on few alternatives. Once preferred alternatives are decided on, they are not reexamined, and, of course, rejected alternatives are not reexamined.
4. TRUE
Each member of a team or group should be told to be a critical evaluator, able to actively voice objections and doubts. This may help to prevent groupthink.