the "Groupthink" theory

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where a group prioritizes harmony and consensus over critical thinking and individual judgment. Members may suppress doubts, ignore alternative ideas, and avoid conflict to maintain unity, which can lead to poor decision-making. This often happens in tightly-knit groups or when strong leadership discourages dissent. While it fosters cohesion, groupthink can cause overlooked risks and flawed outcomes because dissenting perspectives are suppressed. Recognizing groupthink helps promote open discussion, diverse viewpoints, and thorough analysis to make better, more balanced decisions.