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groupthink

groupthink

11 7.1
A situation where team members accept one idea without question and avoid different views
  • noun
  • /ˈɡruːpˌθɪŋk/
translation icon : pensamiento grupal
  • A group exhibiting these symptoms is likely to be functioning in a groupthink mode as it makes decisions.
  • antecedent conditions for groupthink
  • groupthink decision
  • conditions for groupthink

And trying to predict groupthink is fraught with peril.

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Examples

  • The most obvious symptom of groupthink is passive agreement with whatever ideas are proposed by other group members.

    Academic text (2006)
  • So there is a groupthink that happens there, right?

  • Rather than go along with the groupthink, I stand up for what is right.

    Blog text (7)
  • Groups affected by groupthink make decisions without considering alternatives to initial suggestions.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Researchers suggest that shared characteristics may promote social conformity and groupthink, which lead to inefficient decision-making.

    Blog text (16)
  • The practice of groupthink can stifle innovation, as everyone tends to agree with the dominant opinion.

  • In a meeting dominated by groupthink, no one voiced their unique ideas, fearing backlash.

  • The board's decision was clouded by groupthink, leading to a lack of critical analysis.

Antonyms

Forming your own opinions without following people in power, especially about religion

A belief that people should be free to run businesses without government control

How Critical

consensus
309 4.1
groupthink
11 7.1

Surface Forms

groupthink singular
groupthinks plural

Morphology

groupthink = group + think (semi-transparent) = group + think

Formed by compounding 'group' + 'think' to label a specific social-psychological phenomenon with evaluative connotations, so the components are clear but the technical and negative nuance may not be fully inferable by learners.

Etymology

Groupthink is made from group and think, literally 'thinking as a group'. It describes when people in a group 'stop asking questions' and accept the same ideas without checking them, so today it means group decision-making that blocks new or different ideas.