Homework: Groupthink
Overview
In history, you learned that some decisions made by leaders in a group situation were not always the right or morally correct decisions. Some examples include the atrocities of the Nazi's, slavery, segregation, Watergate, cults and gangs, along with many others. How could such decisions have been made, especially within a group setting? While none of these decisions were acceptable or condoned, the concept of "Groupthink" helps us understand such mentality. This homework will assist you in gaining insight into a "Groupthink" mentality.
In this homework, you will describe a situation in which you were involved in a group decision-making process.
Details
Perform the following tasks:
o Complete the reading homework and the interactive lesson before attempting this homework.
o Review the table below and answer the questions below.
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Characteristics of Groupthink
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Characteristics
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Description
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Invulnerability
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Members feel they cannot fail.
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Rationalization
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Members explain away warning signs and help each other rationalize their decision.
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Lack of introspection
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Members do not examine the ethical implications of their decision because they believe that they cannot make immoral choices.
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Stereotyping
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Members stereotype their enemies as weak, stupid, or unreasonable.
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Pressure
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Members pressure each other not to question the prevailing opinion.
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Lack of disagreement
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Members do not express opinions that differ from the group consensus.
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Self-deception
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Members share in the illusion that they all agree with the decision.
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Insularity
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Members prevent the group from hearing disruptive but potentially useful information from people who are outside the group.
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Worksheet
Respond to the following prompts:
• Groupthink does not lead to good decisions. Describe a time when you participated in a group decision that was not effective. The situation can involve family, work, or a social group.
• How was the problem solved? Was it easily solved, difficult to solve, or not solved at all?
• What characteristics of groupthink were involved and how did it effect the situation and solution?
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
• The answer must be using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, typed, with one-inch margins on all sides.
• The response also includes a cover page containing the student's name, the title of the homework, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
• Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
References
• Janis, I. (1972). Victims of groupthink. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin
• Janis, I. (1982). Groupthink (2nd ed.). Boston: Houghton-Mifflin.