What is the primary risk associated with GroupThink?

What is the primary risk associated with GroupThink?

• A. Increased conflict
• B. A lack of decision-making
• C. Ignorance of group norms
• D. Poor quality decisions

Answer: (D)

The primary risk associated with GroupThink is that it leads to poor quality decisions. GroupThink occurs when a cohesive group of individuals prioritizes consensus over critical evaluation of alternative viewpoints or ideas. As members suppress dissenting opinions to maintain harmony, they may overlook potential risks, ignore vital information, and fail to consider all options thoroughly. This can culminate in decisions that are flawed or ineffective due to the lack of robust discussion and analysis. In contrast, the other choices highlight different aspects of group dynamics but do not capture the essence of the danger posed by GroupThink. For instance, while increased conflict can be detrimental, GroupThink specifically seeks to avoid conflict by promoting unanimous agreement. A lack of decision-making does not typically occur in scenarios involving GroupThink; instead, decisions are made, albeit often poorly. Ignorance of group norms may happen in various contexts but isn't a direct consequence of the GroupThink phenomenon. Thus, the defining characteristic of GroupThink is indeed the suboptimal decisions that result from prioritizing group cohesion over critical thinking and diverse input.

The primary risk associated with GroupThink is that it leads to poor quality decisions. GroupThink occurs when a cohesive group of individuals prioritizes consensus over critical evaluation of alternative viewpoints or ideas. As members suppress dissenting opinions to maintain harmony, they may overlook potential risks, ignore vital information, and fail to consider all options thoroughly. This can culminate in decisions that are flawed or ineffective due to the lack of robust discussion and analysis.

In contrast, the other choices highlight different aspects of group dynamics but do not capture the essence of the danger posed by GroupThink. For instance, while increased conflict can be detrimental, GroupThink specifically seeks to avoid conflict by promoting unanimous agreement. A lack of decision-making does not typically occur in scenarios involving GroupThink; instead, decisions are made, albeit often poorly. Ignorance of group norms may happen in various contexts but isn't a direct consequence of the GroupThink phenomenon.

Thus, the defining characteristic of GroupThink is indeed the suboptimal decisions that result from prioritizing group cohesion over critical thinking and diverse input.