COMM 250 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Groupthink, Information Processing, James E. Grunig
30 Apr 2018
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Groupthink
Definition
• A condition in which highly cohesive groups strive to reach unanimity in their decision
making at the expense of adequately examining alternative solutions
o Groups desire to maintain a cohesive atmosphere in the group to the extent that
members are not to "rock the boat" or "stir the waters"
Characteristics
• Cohesiveness- Refers to a state of mutual liking and attraction among group members
o Primary, when paired with one of the other two antecedents will result in a greater
likelihood that the group will suffer from groupthink
o Group members are amiable and united and have a desire to maintain positive
relationships
• Structural faults- May include the group's insulation from external sources of information
and counsel, lack of an established tradition of impartiality on the part of the leader, lack
of norms for decision-making procedures, and homogeneity of group members with
regard to social background and ideology
• Provocative situational context- Impose high levels of stress on group members
o Stresses may be due to a previous or recent record of failure, perceptions that the
there is no morally correct alternative available
Eight Symptoms of Groupthink
1. Illusion of invulnerability- Members are highly optimistic and willing to take extreme risks
2. Collective efforts to rationalize- Members cast doubt on the validity of information that
brings into question assumptions made
3. Illusion of morality- The moral consequences of a decision go unexplored because group
members do not question the morality of the group
4. Excessive stereotyping- The group rivals as too evil to warrant serious negotiation with
them, or too weak/stupid in efforts to defeat the group
5. Pressure to conform- Pressure is brought to bear against those members who disagree
with the group, often though claims that such disagreements are indicative of disloyalty
6. Self-censorship- Members do not voice dissenting or contrary views to the group
consensus
7. Illusion of unanimity- There is a false perception that members have achieved a
consensus; silence is consent
8. Self-appointed mindguards- Some members take on the role of guarding the group from
information that might call into question the effectiveness and morality of decisions made
Vigilant Decision Making
• When groups engage in vigilant decision making they adequately…
o Survey the possible alternatives/solutions available
o Survey the objectives to be accomplished
o Examine the risks and benefits associated with the alternatives
o Perform an information search
o Process the information in an unbiased manner
o Reappraise the alternatives in light of risks associated with that choice become
known
• When vigilance is not present, the likelihood of making bad decisions increases
How to Prevent Groupthink
• Group leader should establish an atmosphere of open inquiry and impartiality and should
withhold stating preferred courses of action at the outset
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