Groupthink Groupthink, identified by psychologist Irving Janis, occurs when members of a team or organization choose to go along with what the group says rather than truly evaluating the idea, proposal, or suggestion (Eisenberg, Jr., & Trethewey, 2014). This often occurs because members of a team or group value harmony over critical thinking and evaluation and feel pressured to agree with the group or hope to avoid conflict. Unfortunately, Groupthink is often perpetuated by the leaders of the group or organization. Groupthink is often the cause of why decision making breaks down and has been blamed for a variety of policy-making fiascos (Kowert, 2002).
Groupthink is more likely to develop in a team or organization when the group or team is …show more content…
Suggestions for combating Groupthink in organizations are:
• Strong leaders that are aware of Groupthink dynamics and encourage open dialogue and sharing of information and opinions. Ensuring that information is shared among all members of the group. Transparency and effectively communicating information is imperative to preventing Groupthink from developing (Maharaj, 2008).
• Members of a group should share their opinions and ideas before the leaders shares their thoughts to avoid influencing group members (Mishra, …show more content…
Because churches tend to focus on building collaboration, consensus and agreement, the possibility of developing groupthink can be an issue and concern. Boards and committees can become too comfortable with their annual events and way of doing ministry, succumbing to traditions and historical way of doing things. This prevents the introduction of new thoughts and ideas and fails to allow people to ask questions or hold opposing points of view (Bradley, 2016). Bradley (2016), goes on to say that newcomers to the church can feel unwelcome for questioning the status quo. What can the church do to combat groupthink? First and foremost, churches need to put Jesus at the center, ensuring that all decisions are grounded in scripture. Churches also need to:
• Create a safe place to ask questions and allow honest open dialogue about beliefs and practices.
• Allow disagreements and alternate points of view. Search scripture and make that the basis for making all decisions, not personal opinion or preference.
• Avoid criticizing anyone who speaks out with alternative opinions. Model the art of critical listening skills (Quast,
Groupthink is more likely to develop in a team or organization when the group or team is …show more content…
Suggestions for combating Groupthink in organizations are:
• Strong leaders that are aware of Groupthink dynamics and encourage open dialogue and sharing of information and opinions. Ensuring that information is shared among all members of the group. Transparency and effectively communicating information is imperative to preventing Groupthink from developing (Maharaj, 2008).
• Members of a group should share their opinions and ideas before the leaders shares their thoughts to avoid influencing group members (Mishra, …show more content…
Because churches tend to focus on building collaboration, consensus and agreement, the possibility of developing groupthink can be an issue and concern. Boards and committees can become too comfortable with their annual events and way of doing ministry, succumbing to traditions and historical way of doing things. This prevents the introduction of new thoughts and ideas and fails to allow people to ask questions or hold opposing points of view (Bradley, 2016). Bradley (2016), goes on to say that newcomers to the church can feel unwelcome for questioning the status quo. What can the church do to combat groupthink? First and foremost, churches need to put Jesus at the center, ensuring that all decisions are grounded in scripture. Churches also need to:
• Create a safe place to ask questions and allow honest open dialogue about beliefs and practices.
• Allow disagreements and alternate points of view. Search scripture and make that the basis for making all decisions, not personal opinion or preference.
• Avoid criticizing anyone who speaks out with alternative opinions. Model the art of critical listening skills (Quast,