Groupthink, a term coined by psychologist Irving Janis in the 1970s, refers to a phenomenon where group cohesion and agreement lead to irrational decision-making, often seen in government policy decisions. Understanding the dynamics and symptoms of groupthink is crucial for leaders to prevent such detrimental choices. Strategies to combat groupthink include encouraging dissent, fostering open communication, and implementing structured decision-making processes.

1. Understanding Groupthink
A Yale psychologist, Irving Janis, coined the
term groupthink in the early 1970s (1972).* Groupthink occurs
when group cohesion and agreement become so important that
the members of the group are not able to dissent, even if that
means that the members of the group make irrational decisions.
Janis argued that groupthink was especially a problem for
government decisions such as policy choices. Knowing the
group dynamics and symptoms of groupthink can help leaders
avoid the pitfalls from decisions that can result from
groupthink.
*Janis, Irving L. (1972). Victims of groupthink: A
psychological study of foreign-policy decisions and fiascoes.
New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin.
Read the Janis article introducing the concept of groupthink.
Using the Internet, search for and find an example of
groupthink. Think about strategies that can be used to overcome
groupthink.
Submit 150 – 500 word response: Due by Thursday 11/12/15
a brief definition of groupthink. Provide an example of
groupthink from your experience or research. Then, explain how
groupthink can lead to unethical decisions. Finally, offer three
strategies that might be used to avoid or overcome groupthink.
Support
your work with specific citations from the Learning Resources.
You are allowed to draw from additional sources to support
your explanation, but you must cite using APA standards. All
quoted material must be identified, cited, and referenced per

2. APA standards.
Journal
Explain a time in your life that you participated in, or were the
recipient of, "groupthink." Based on what you learned this
week, explain your insights regarding your experience.
(2–3 paragraphs)