Assignment Task:
Recall, from our discussion, that groupthink "occurs when group members reason that they cannot be wrong and reject any argument contrary to their own-rejecting criticism from internal members and criticism from people in out-groups" (Janis and Mann, 1977).
Furthermore, Janis and Mann identified 8 symptoms of groupthink:
- An illusion of invulnerability
- Collective efforts to rationalize
- Unquestioned belief in the group's inherent morality
- Stereotyped views of rivals and enemies
- Direct pressure on a member who expresses arguments against any of the group's stereotypes, illusions, or commitments
- Self-censorship of deviations from apparent group consensus
- A shared illusion of unanimity
- The emergence of self-appointed "mind guards" (p.131)
Select 1 of the following real-world occurrences of groupthink (or identify another real-world factual event of your choosing):
- Bay of Pigs
- Pearl Harbor bombing
- Space Shuttle Challenger explosion
- Salem witch trials
- Switch to New Coke
Create a 10- to 12-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation with detailed speaker notes about your chosen event.
Include the following:
- Identify and describe your selected event. Include the date(s) involved, geographic location, and major players in the decision. Need Assignment Help?
- Explain how groupthink worked in this situation. Relate your explanation to a minimum of 2 of the symptoms of groupthink.
- Discuss the impact of groupthink on the outcome of the situation.
- Discuss the role of authority influence in the situation.
- Explain 2 actions that may have countered the groupthink and authority influence that led to the outcome of the event.
Cite at least 3 sources in your presentation.
Include pictures and/or graphics in your PowerPoint presentation.
Detailed speaker notes are required.