The Groupthink Phenomenon

Groupthink occurs when a group prioritizes harmony and consensus over critical thinking and individual judgment. Members may suppress doubts, ignore alternative ideas, or avoid conflict to maintain unity, leading to poor decision-making. This often happens in cohesive teams or authority-driven environments, where the desire to agree outweighs analyzing options thoroughly. As a result, groupthink can cause flawed or risky choices because dissenting opinions are undervalued or absent. Recognizing and addressing groupthink encourages diverse perspectives and critical evaluation, leading to more balanced and effective decisions.