What does groupthink primarily lead to in decision-making processes?

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group when the desire for harmony and conformity results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. In this context, the primary outcome of groupthink is poor decision-making and a lack of innovation.

When group members prioritize consensus over critical evaluation, they may overlook important information, dismiss alternative viewpoints, and fail to consider the potential risks associated with their decisions. This can stifle creativity, as diverse ideas and healthy debates are essential for innovative solutions. The pressure to conform can lead individuals to suppress their own doubts or criticisms, which ultimately undermines the quality of the group's decisions.

Contexts that foster groupthink often lead to oversimplification of complex issues and a reluctance to explore new or untested ideas. Therefore, when groupthink is present, the decision-making process is compromised, resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes that could have been avoided with greater engagement and openness to differing perspectives.