Groupthink

The term groupthink refers to the tendency of certain cohesive groups to get out of touch with reality and results in faulty decision-making. Psychologist Irving Janis who came up with the term found that cohesive groups developed us versus them attitude which effected their ability to make precise decisions. Groupthink basically prevents individual thought. Although the group develops a strong sense of solidarity the opinions, ideas and doubts of an individual are lost. There are eight symptoms of groupthink; the illusion of the group’s invulnerability, a belief in the inherent morality of the group, collective rationalization, stereotypes, direct pressure on dissenters, self censorship, illusion of unanimity and self appointed mind guards.

An example of the Illusion of invulnerability would be in the attitudes of...