Problem-Solving

Problem-Solving-Group shift

: ‘Group shift’ is a phenomenon in which the initial positions of individual
members of a group are exaggerated toward a more extreme position. More often,
however, the shift is toward greater risk. What happens in groups is that the discussion
leads to a significant shift in the positions of members toward a more extreme position
in the direction in which they were already leaning before the discussion. Conservatives
become more cautious, and the more aggressive take on more risk.
The ‘Groupshift’ can be viewed as actually a special case of ‘groupthink’. The decision
of the group reflects the dominant decision-making norm that develops during the
group’s discussion. The greater occurrence of the shift toward risk can be due to any
of the following reasons:
• Discussion creates familiarization among the members. As they become more
comfortable with each other, they also become more bold and daring.
• People admire individuals who are willing to take risks. Group discussion
motivates members to show that they are at least as willing as their peers in
terms of taking risks.
• The most plausible explanation of the shift toward risk, however, seems to be
that the group diffuses responsibility.
• Group decisions free any single member from accountability for the group’s
final choice.