What is "groupthink"?

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, often leading to poor decision-making outcomes. It typically arises when the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making process. Members prioritize consensus over critical evaluation of alternative viewpoints, leading to a lack of creativity and suppressed dissent.

When groupthink is in effect, individuals may feel pressured to align with the prevailing opinions of the group, disregarding their own judgments or concerns. This can lead to oversights and a failure to consider potential risks, as well as the rejection of innovative solutions that could enhance the group’s effectiveness.

The other options describe processes that do not align with the negative connotations of groupthink. Individual decision-making does not involve the pressures or dynamics typical of groupthink, and methods aimed at conflict resolution or enhancing creativity would actively work against the tendencies present in groupthink, which discourages dissent and critical discussion.