What is groupthink?

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group when the desire for harmony or conformity leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. In this context, members of the group may suppress dissenting viewpoints, fail to critically analyze alternatives, and prioritize consensus over the quality of the decision being made. This results in a decrease in creativity and individual responsibility, often leading to suboptimal outcomes.

The essence of groupthink lies in the group's collective mindset prioritizing agreement and cohesion over thorough deliberation, which can ultimately diminish the effectiveness of the group’s decisions. Historical examples, such as decisions made during the Vietnam War or the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, illustrate how groupthink can lead to catastrophic failures when critical thinking and diverse perspectives are abandoned in favor of maintaining consensus.