What is Group Think? ...and How to Prevent it

The video discusses groupthink, a phenomenon where cohesive groups make poor decisions due to a lack of diverse opinions and the suppression of dissenting voices. It highlights the risks of groupthink, such as risky shift, and the influence of authoritative individuals. Strategies to mitigate groupthink include forming diverse teams, appointing a devil's advocate, using secret ballots, and ensuring access to raw data. Effective facilitation and inviting outsiders can also help improve group decision-making.

What is a key characteristic of groupthink that affects decision-making?

• Encourages diverse opinions

• Promotes early consensus

• Increases individual confidence

• Reduces group cohesion

What is the term used to describe the tendency of groups to make riskier decisions than individuals?

• Group polarization

• Risky shift

• Social loafing

• Collective efficacy

How can the presence of a charismatic leader affect group decision-making?

• It reduces the influence of other group members

• It can anchor the group to a specific viewpoint

• It leads to a more cautious approach

• It encourages more diverse opinions

What is one strategy to prevent groupthink by involving team members?

• Start with a homogeneous team

• Limit the discussion time

• Allow leaders to state their opinions first

• Use a round robin to gather all opinions

Why is it beneficial to use a secret ballot in group decision-making?

• It speeds up the decision-making process

• It allows individuals to change their minds more easily

• It reduces the need for further discussion

• It ensures that everyone agrees with the leader

What role does a 'devil's advocate' play in group discussions?

• To support the majority opinion

• To challenge and test ideas

• To summarize the group's consensus

• To mediate conflicts between members

How can dividing a group into smaller groups help prevent groupthink?

• It simplifies the decision-making process

• It reduces the need for a devil's advocate

• It allows for more diverse options to emerge

• It ensures faster decision-making

What is the advantage of giving group members access to raw data?

• It reduces the time needed for analysis

• It simplifies the decision-making process

• It prevents bias from processed information

• It ensures everyone agrees with the leader

Why is it important to invite outsiders into a group discussion?

• They can provide new perspectives and challenge existing ideas

• They help speed up the decision-making process

• They ensure the group reaches a consensus quickly

• They reduce the need for a devil's advocate

What is a key requirement for effective facilitation to avoid groupthink?

• Limiting the discussion to save time

• Making sure every member is heard and respected

• Allowing only experts to speak

• Ensuring only the leader's opinion is heard