Groepdenken

Groepdenken, or groupthink, is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people in which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. Groupthink is characterized by a tendency of group members to agree with each other and suppress dissenting viewpoints in order to maintain group cohesion. This can lead to flawed decisions because alternative perspectives are not fully explored, and potential risks are overlooked.

The concept of groupthink was first described by social psychologist Irving Janis in 1972. He identified several symptoms that are indicative of groupthink, including an illusion of invulnerability, a belief in the inherent morality of the group, stereotyped views of out-groups, direct pressure on dissenters, self-censorship, and a shared illusion of unanimity. When these symptoms are present, critical thinking is often diminished.

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of groupthink. These include a highly cohesive group, a directive leadership style that discourages disagreement, high levels of stress and pressure to make a decision, and insulation of the group from outside opinions. When a group falls prey to groupthink, the quality of its decisions can suffer significantly, potentially leading to negative consequences.

To mitigate groupthink, strategies such as encouraging open discussion, assigning a devil's advocate role, seeking independent opinions from outside the group, and breaking the group into smaller subgroups to discuss issues separately can be employed. Fostering an environment where diverse viewpoints are welcomed and valued is crucial for effective group decision-making.