Re: improving group dynamics? | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Kay Argyle (argylemines.utah.edu) | |
Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 09:40:08 -0700 (MST) |
I would definitely avoid the phrase "group thinking" when you are looking for ways to improve decision making, since "groupthink" is a term in psychology for a particular type of group decision-making -- one that is an especial danger to consensus-based groups. On the other hand, I would say that learning to recognize groupthink is a very good idea. >From http://twist.lib.uiowa.edu/36011/groupthink.htm: Definition of Groupthink A. Groupthink is the tendency to place relational concerns of group unity ahead of task concern for effective performance. B. Groupthink manifests itself in the tendency of a group to seek unanimous agreement at the expense of careful, thorough, and critical analysis of the information, ideas, proposals, and reasoning upon which a consequential decision rests. Symptoms (Indicators) of "Groupthink" A. Illusion of invulnerability -- we are incapable of being wrong B. Rationalization -- the ends justifies the means C. Inherent morality -- what we're doing is best for everyone D. Stereotypical thinking -- employ preconceived notions in evaluating information E. Close-mindedness -- ignore information that does not confirm or support the prevailing opinions of group members F. Mind guards -- group members who take it upon themselves to protect the group from information that contradicts prevailing opinion G. Pressure on dissenters -- group members aggressive "go after" colleagues who disagree with the general sentiments of the group H. Self-censorship -- group members willingly refrain from voicing opposition to the prevailing sentiments of the group I. Illusion of unanimity -- the belief that silence is an indication of agreement [end quote] In analyzing various major policy disasters, one frequently finds groupthink was occurring. A traditional example is the Bay of Pigs invasion -- a more recent one is Operation Iraqi Freedom. Kay _______________________________________________ Cohousing-L mailing list Cohousing-L [at] cohousing.org Unsubscribe and other info: http://www.cohousing.org/cohousing-L
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Myers Briggs Sharon Villines, November 10 2003
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RE: Myers Briggs TR Ruddick, November 10 2003
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Re: [C-L] improving group dynamics? Elaine, November 20 2003
- Re: Re: [C-L] improving group dynamics? Saoirse, November 20 2003
- Re: improving group dynamics? Kay Argyle, November 21 2003
- Re: improving group dynamics? Elaine, November 21 2003
- Re: improving group dynamics? Saoirse, November 21 2003
- Re: improving group dynamics? Kay Argyle, November 21 2003
- Re: improving group dynamics? Elaine, November 21 2003
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Re: [C-L] improving group dynamics? Elaine, November 20 2003
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RE: Myers Briggs TR Ruddick, November 10 2003
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