GroupThink

GroupThink and the effect it could have on major decision within an organization. This is one of the clips from my MBA programme @WarwickMBA.

Whilst there are advantages with making joint decisions as a group, we need to be smart enough to identify when it’s becoming destructive. This clip will highlight the importance of not suppressing individuals’ views.

Ways to overcome the effect are as follows

1. An informal, relaxed atmosphere in the group, which shows that members are involved and interested.
2. Full participation by all members in the discussion, which remains focused upon the task.
3. Acceptance of the group objective by all.
4. Members listen to each other and are not afraid to make creative suggestions.
5. Disagreements are fully discussed and either resolved or lived with.
6. Most decisions are reached by consensus.
7. Criticism is frank and frequent, without degenerating into personal attacks.
8. Group members are free to express their feelings about the way the group is functioning.
9. Actions are clearly assigned to group members and are carried out by them.
10. Leadership within the group shifts occasionally and tends to be based on expertise rather than formal status or position.
11. The group is self-conscious about its own operation and regularly reviews the way it goes about its business.

Reference: Organization behaviour module, Warwick MBA.