Gruppmõtlemise

Gruppmõtlemise is the Estonian term for groupthink, a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a group of individuals makes faulty or ineffective decisions because group cohesion and unanimity are prioritized over critical evaluation of alternatives. The concept was formalized by psychologist Irving Janis in the 1970s, who identified the primary symptoms of groupthink: illusion of invulnerability, collective rationalization, belief in inherent morality of the group, stereotyping of outsiders, self-censorship, pressure on dissenters, and a heightened sense of self-newness among members.

Groupthink most commonly arises in situations where decisions must be made swiftly, where group members share a strong bond, and where the group has a clear, intuitive, or perceived unanimity of purpose. The desire to maintain harmony can override objective assessment, leading to overconfidence, failure to consider risks, and discounting of opposing viewpoints. The term also alludes to the manner in which groups internalise norms that discourage dissent, resulting in an inward focus that can be detrimental.

To identify and mitigate groupthink, experts recommend encouraging open debate, appointing an outsider or devil's advocate, and splitting the group into subcommittees that are fostered to challenge assumptions. The phenomenon has been cited in numerous high-profile corporate and governmental failures, such as the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Challenger shuttle disaster. Understanding and countering groupthink is considered essential for robust decision‑making processes and effective organizational leadership.