GROUPTHINK
GORMAN ALVA
QUANG NGUYEN
RICK PERSKE
GLENN GABAY

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Introduction: What is Groupthink?
Groupthink is a phenomenon where the “tendency for cohesive groups to become so concerned about group solidarity that they fail to critically and realistically evaluate their decisions and the assumptions leading to those decisions (Wilcox, 2010, p. 34)”

Sunday, October 6, 2013
• Noted Management and Organizational Leadership expert Dr. Clifton Wilcox identifies groupthink as a phenomenon where the “tendency for cohesive groups to become so concerned about group solidarity that they fail to critically and realistically evaluate their decisions and the assumptions leading to those decisions • In other words, individuals in an already cohesive group or a team are so concerned with unanimity the group fails to generate a meaningful debate about the topic or issue on the table leading to incorrect decision-making

Wilcox, C., Dr. (2010). Groupthink: An Impediment to Success. Bloomington, IN: Xlibris Corporation, p.34

The Groupthink Model


The Bay of Pigs invasion



Pearl Harbor



Korean War



Vietnam War



Cuban Missile Crisis



The Marshall Plan

Sunday, October 6, 2013
• According to Dr. Wilcox the Groupthink model was developed during a study of six major historical events in American history. The Bay of Pigs invasion, Pearl
Harbor, Korean War, Vietnam War, Cuban Missile Crisis, and The Marshall Plan
• The first four were considered fiascos while the last two were generally considered successes (Wilcox, 2010, p. 34)

Wilcox, C., Dr. (2010). Groupthink: An Impediment to Success. Bloomington, IN: Xlibris Corporation, p.34

Symptoms of
Groupthink


Illusion of invulnerability



Belief in inherent morality of the group 

Collective rationalization



Stereotypes of out-groups



Self-censorship



Illusion of unanimity



Self-appointed mindguards

Sunday, October 6, 2013
• During the studies of these six events Dr. Wilcox points out eight symptoms have been identified that were present during the decision-making process.
• Illusion of invulnerability: This symptom is described as the illusion most or all members of the group have producing a feeling of excessive optimism and encourages taking extreme risk.
• Belief in inherent morality of the group: This symptom is described as the group ignoring ethical and moral consequences.
• Collective rationalization: This symptom is described as the groups collective efforts to discount warnings that might lead other members to reconsider their decisions.
• Stereotypes of out-groups: This symptom is described as viewing opposing groups as evil, weak or too stupid to negotiate with.
• Self-censorship: This symptom is described as voluntary censorship of the group’s opinion in the case they differ from the groups original consensus.
In my opinion the standard way of decision-making for politicians
• Illusion of unanimity: This symptom is described as the group conforming to the rest of the group by self-censorship or the rest of the group assumes that silence from other members means consent.
• Direct pressure on dissenters: This symptom occurs when group member pressure those in the groups who present strong arguments and that any opposing view would be considered disloyal.
• Self-appointed mindguards: This symptom is described as preventing the group from seeing opposing information that might fragment the group consensus • (Wilcox, 2010, p. 36-37)
Wilcox, C., Dr. (2010). Groupthink: An Impediment to Success. Bloomington, IN: Xlibris Corporation, p.36-37

Recent History


Iraq War: Bush Administration
 President

Bush’s State of the Union address 2003

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5hYwdQn1z8
 After
 The

the fact

Cheney Effect

 Self

Appointed Mindguards

 Collective

Rationalization

Sunday, October 6, 2013
• In 2003 President Bush's State of the Union address made specific claims about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction: "500 tons