Poor Problem Solving

Poor Problem Solving-Group think

Group think

 ‘Group think’ is a term coined by psychologist Irving Janis. ‘Groupthink’
is a phenomenon in which the norm for consensus overrides the realistic appraisal of
alternative courses of action. It describes situations in which group pressures for
conformity discourage the group from critically appraising unusual, minority, or
unpopular views. ‘Groupthink’ is a bug that strikes groups and can dramatically hinder
their performance.

Some of the symptoms of ‘Groupthink’ are:
• Illusion of Invulnerability: Members ignore obvious danger, take extreme risk
and are overly optimistic.
• Collective Rationalization: Members discredit and explain away warning
contrary to group thinking.
• Illusion of Morality: Members believe their decisions are morally correct,
ignoring the ethical consequences of their decisions.
• Excessive Stereotyping: The group constructs negative stereotypes of rivals
outside the group.
• Pressure for Conformity: Members pressure any in the group who express
arguments against the group’s stereotypes, illusions, or commitments, viewing
such opposition as disloyalty.
• Self-Censorship: Members withhold their dissenting views and counterarguments.
• Illusion of Unanimity: Members perceive falsely that everyone agrees with
the group’s decision; silence is seen as consent.
• Mindguards: Some members appoint themselves to the role of protecting the
group from adverse information that might threaten group complacency.