What Is Groupthink? Groupthink is a phenomenon that occurs when a group of individuals reaches a consensus without critical reasoning or evaluation of the consequences or alternatives. Groupthink is based on a common desire not to upset the balance of a group of people.
What causes group think?
There are several main causes of groupthink. These include group cohesiveness, overall group isolation, group leadership, and decision-making stress. … Another cause of groupthink is isolation. Often in group situations, it is important that the decisions being made or the actions being carried remain secret.
Is groupthink a cognitive bias?
Groupthink is a term first used by social psychologist Irving L. Janis in 1972. It refers to a cognitive bias which encourages people to desire harmony or conformity within a group. In many cases, people will set aside their own personal beliefs to adopt the opinion of the rest of the group.