Describe the concept of groupthink, why it occurs, and explain how it can be decreased

What will be an ideal response?

Answer will include that groupthink is the compulsion by members of decision-making groups to maintain agreement, even at the cost of critical thinking. It results mainly out of a misguided loyalty to the group and an attempt to maintain harmony at all costs. Group members are hesitant to "rock the boat," question sloppy thinking, or tolerate alternative views. This self-censorship leads people to believe they agree more than they actually do. An analysis of several international crises found that groupthink contributed to many of them, such as the Columbia space shuttle explosion. Groupthink can be decreased if group leaders do the following: (1) Each member's role should be defined as being a critical evaluator of the decisions being made. (2) The leader should avoid revealing personal preferences in the beginning of the meeting. (3) The problem should be stated factually, without bias. (4) One group member should be encouraged to play devil's advocate, that is, to look for the negatives regarding each decision. (5) All members should be held accountable for their decisions. (6) The search for alternative solutions to each decision should be encouraged.