Which phenomenon may lead teams to make poor decisions?

Groupthink is a phenomenon that can significantly impact team decision-making and often leads to poor outcomes. It occurs when a group prioritizes consensus and harmony over critical evaluation of alternatives. In such situations, members may suppress dissenting opinions, fail to voice their concerns, or avoid challenging the dominant viewpoint. This tendency to conform can prevent the group from considering diverse perspectives or important information that may contradict the prevailing thoughts.

The environment fostered by groupthink can create a false sense of invulnerability and an illusion of unanimity, where team members believe that their decisions are correct without thorough scrutiny. This can be particularly problematic in high-stakes scenarios where critical thinking and careful analysis are essential for making informed decisions.

While clarity in communication, cohesion, and accountability are typically associated with positive team dynamics and effective decision-making, groupthink undermines these aspects by promoting a culture where critical questioning and open dialogue are stifled. Therefore, understanding groupthink and its implications is crucial for teams aiming to enhance their decision-making processes and avoid suboptimal outcomes.