What challenges can arise from group decision-making?

Group decision-making can face significant challenges, with potential conflicts and groupthink being prominent concerns. When individuals come together to make decisions, diverse opinions and perspectives can lead to disagreements and tension within the group. This conflict, if not managed properly, can hinder progress and create an uncomfortable environment that may discourage participation from some members.

Moreover, groupthink is a phenomenon where the desire for harmony or conformity within the group results in the suppression of dissenting viewpoints. Members may prioritize consensus over critically evaluating alternatives or considering the full range of options, which can lead to poor decision-making outcomes. This lack of critical engagement can stifle creativity and limit the quality of the decisions made, as individuals may feel pressured to conform rather than voice their true opinions.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent common challenges in group decision-making. Easy agreement and rapid consensus, while seemingly positive, can often indicate groupthink rather than a healthy decision-making process. Similarly, consistency in thought and action may result from uncritical agreement but can restrict the exploration of diverse ideas. Increased autonomy for each member is typically not a characteristic of group decision-making, which usually entails collaboration and collective input rather than independent decision-making.