What happens when a group of people, let’s say Democrats and Republicans, assemble to make legislative decisions? This sounds like a set up for a joke. Three Democrats and three Republications walk into a bar. Funny, but I do wonder what happens when a body gathers. What is the outcome? A psychological phenomenon occurs when people work in groups.
When People Work
Groups consist of any number of persons who share a common characteristic or purpose. A group contains people with the same beliefs, interests, and principles. They convene at predetermined times to focus on a shared docket.
There are advantages to working in a group. Each person has a different set of knowledge and skills to bring to the table. The team members contribute to and support each other to produce ideas and results. Groups provide team-building experience and social skills on how to work well with others.
Work In Groups
These are a few of the positive reasons to work in groups. Conversely, there are negative considerations. For instance, those involved push their own agenda. Sometimes there will be those who socialize too much and nothing gets done. There are groups with lots of disagreements so again, nothing gets done. Another negative that occurs is a psychological phenomenon called GroupThink.
Psychological Phenomenon Occurs
Irving Janis, a research psychologist at Yale University and a Professor Emeritus at the University of California, coined the phrase GroupThink. Janis studied stress and personal decision making and discovered a psychological phenomenon. In 1972, he revealed his theory of GroupThink.
Janis defines GroupThink as, “the tendency of groups to try to minimize conflict and reach consensus without sufficiently testing, analyzing, and evaluating their ideas.”
What Occurs
In GroupThink, a sub-group has a particular agenda. They operate as a single mindset; everyone is required to support their decisions or they will be strongly pressured into complying. All members are expected to follow them without question, maintaining the policies of the assemblage.
That sub-group shows great interest in facts and opinions that support their view and will overlook facts and opinions that oppose them. They disregard the ethical and moral consequences of their choices. The result of their decision making is irrational and dysfunctional. GroupThink decisions rarely have successful outcomes.
GroupThink is an actual occurrence playing out in clusters of people today. Earlier I picked on politicians as an example. Consider this; whether Democrats or Republicans, these bodies cleave wholly together, even when they don’t agree with the legislation. They are pressured to surrender to the party.
It is happening in our media. One of the best examples is when Trump won the presidency. This obliterated the agenda of those who opposed him. Their plan now is to discredit Trump at every turn. Three years after the election, they are still fighting to regain their power.
I don’t want to pick on any group in particular. My goal is to enlighten you on what happens when members of groups have their own interests in mind and refuse to recognize facts. Now that you are aware of GroupThink it’s in your hands.
GroupThink In Action
Today, people will jump on board to a viewpoint they read on a post or tweet. Look before you leap. Don’t accept the word of anyone or any group by virtue that they are loudest. Purposefully discover all sides of the equation. Beware of entities that apply pressure on you by reason of your opposition.
GroupThink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when people work in groups. Don’t be deceived. Stand back, find the facts, and then make wise decisions. Let everyone know that you won’t be manipulated to their ideals because you think, not follow.
