groupthink

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

a psychological phenomenon in which the desire for harmony and conformity in a cohesive group overrides realistic appraisal of alternatives, leading to irrational or poorly reasoned decision-making; coined by social psychologist Irving Janis in 1972 through analysis of major US foreign policy failures including the Bay of Pigs invasion and the escalation of the Vietnam War, groupthink is characterised by symptoms including the illusion of invulnerability — excessive optimism about the group's infallibility — collective rationalisation of warnings, belief in the group's inherent morality, stereotyped views of outgroups, pressure on dissenters, self-censorship by members who have doubts, the illusion of unanimity, and the emergence of self-appointed mindguards who protect the group from information that might challenge its consensus; groupthink is most likely in highly cohesive groups insulated from outside opinion, under directive leadership, and under stress with limited time for deliberation; preventive strategies include appointing a devil's advocate, encouraging critical evaluation, and seeking external perspectives