Group polarisation and groupthink in society
Introduction
Group polarization (from the Latin. polarisatia - shift to the edge, the offset to the pole) - socio-psychological phenomenon that occurs as a result of group discussions during which diverse opinions and positions of the participants are not smoothed, and executed by the end of the discussion in two diametrically opposite positions, excluding any compromises. Also, under group polarization we understand the aggravation of extreme group decisions or judgments compared with normal decisions or judgments during a discussion. The term "group polarization" was introduced by S. Moscovici (1969).
How could group polarization lead to poor decision-making in organizations?
As we described …show more content…
Seven people were drafting the document (of roughly 70 pages), and each group member was responsible for its part/chapter, and above it was supposed to double check his/her colleague. The end result had one very simple mistake which cost us almost a week of non-stop reassessment of the economics, where updated macro-parameters should have been applied from the very beginning, but were mistakenly forgotten/ignored by everybody in the department.
Conclusion
The processes of group decision-making are unique in its originality, which arises as a result of interpersonal interaction of all participants in finding the solutions. In these processes most clearly and distinctly manifest socio-psychological effects, affecting the quality of the decisions of the group. These include the risk of polarization, group spirit, conformity and other phenomena. In this regard, the group decision-making must take into account these effects, and in a timely manner "block" their negative impact on the work of the whole group.
When dealing with complex issues group work has advantages, as members can share ideas and correct each other's mistakes. Once again, I would like to emphasize that the effectiveness of group work significantly affects the way in which members interact with each
Introduction
Group polarization (from the Latin. polarisatia - shift to the edge, the offset to the pole) - socio-psychological phenomenon that occurs as a result of group discussions during which diverse opinions and positions of the participants are not smoothed, and executed by the end of the discussion in two diametrically opposite positions, excluding any compromises. Also, under group polarization we understand the aggravation of extreme group decisions or judgments compared with normal decisions or judgments during a discussion. The term "group polarization" was introduced by S. Moscovici (1969).
How could group polarization lead to poor decision-making in organizations?
As we described …show more content…
Seven people were drafting the document (of roughly 70 pages), and each group member was responsible for its part/chapter, and above it was supposed to double check his/her colleague. The end result had one very simple mistake which cost us almost a week of non-stop reassessment of the economics, where updated macro-parameters should have been applied from the very beginning, but were mistakenly forgotten/ignored by everybody in the department.
Conclusion
The processes of group decision-making are unique in its originality, which arises as a result of interpersonal interaction of all participants in finding the solutions. In these processes most clearly and distinctly manifest socio-psychological effects, affecting the quality of the decisions of the group. These include the risk of polarization, group spirit, conformity and other phenomena. In this regard, the group decision-making must take into account these effects, and in a timely manner "block" their negative impact on the work of the whole group.
When dealing with complex issues group work has advantages, as members can share ideas and correct each other's mistakes. Once again, I would like to emphasize that the effectiveness of group work significantly affects the way in which members interact with each