Chapter 14 – Groupthink
Chapter 14
Groupthink
Multiple Choice Questions
1. All of the following are recommendations provided by Hart for reducing Groupthink
EXCEPT
2. Janis’s research on group dynamics, which led to the development of Groupthink, resulted
primarily from his investigation and analyses of
3. Which of the following is used to refer to the notion that group members withhold their
inputs in meetings rather than stating their opinions and risking rejection?
4. All of the following are assumptions that guide Groupthink EXCEPT that
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27. Collective rationalization refers to a group member’s tendency to minimize his or her doubts
and to refrain from presenting counterarguments.
28. When a group is closed-minded, it tries to entertain all options before a final decision is
made.
29. One of Janis‘s suggestions for avoiding groupthink or its negative consequences is to have a
contingency plan for failed recommendations or suggestions.
30. The primary concern related to groupthink is that a group may arrive at a flawed decision if
the desire for unanimity overrides the desire for a thorough consideration of all relevant
information.
31. Groupthink has been criticized because it has not been applied to political contexts.
32. Groupthink has been criticized because it has not withstood the test of time.
Essay Questions
33. Identify and explain the assumptions of Groupthink presented by Irving Janis.
Answers will vary.
34. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a high level of cohesiveness among the
members of a group.
Answers will vary.
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35. Do you agree with Paul ‘t Hart’s criticism that Irving Janis’s recommendations to prevent
Groupthink “inadvertently erode collegiality and foster group factionalism”? Do you think ‘t
Hart’s recommendations are preferable, or do they introduce other unintended negative
consequences? Can the two sets of suggestions coexist?
Answers will vary.
36. Identify and explain the three primary categories of Groupthink. Be sure to identify and
explain the symptoms associated with each of these categories.
Answers will vary.
37. Using the standard criteria for theory evaluation, assess Groupthink.
Answers will vary.
38. Discuss the role of accountability in companies today. Given the numerous ethical
problems associated with corporations today, how might Groupthink help inform company
leaders?
Answers will vary.
39. Analyze a recent government decision using Groupthink. Identify all the relevant concepts
from the theory, and come to a conclusion as to whether Groupthink may have been at work in
influencing the outcome. Support your ideas with examples.
Answers will vary.
40. Reflect on a group experience you have had. Come to a conclusion about whether you think
Groupthink occurred, identifying the relevant concepts from the theory. If so, what do you think
contributed to it and what (if anything) was done to overcome it? What was the outcome? If you
do not believe Groupthink occurred, explain why you think the group was successful in
averting it.
Answers will vary.