What is groupthink?

Groupthink is a phenomenon that occurs when a group prioritizes cohesion and consensus over critical thinking and individual input, which often leads to poor decision-making. When members of a group strive for harmony and the desire to avoid conflict, they may suppress dissenting viewpoints, fail to critically analyze alternatives, and overlook potential risks. This collective mindset creates an environment where innovative ideas are stifled, and the group may make decisions that are not thoroughly evaluated.

In contrast, emphasizing individual input would encourage diverse perspectives and critical discussions within the group. Techniques for creative brainstorming focus specifically on generating ideas rather than decision-making processes. Finally, methods for managing conflicts within teams typically aim to resolve disagreements, which stands in direct contrast to the uncritical agreement that characterizes groupthink. Therefore, the essence of groupthink lies in its detrimental impact on decision-making due to a misplaced focus on unity at the expense of thorough analysis and discussion.