Groupthink: A Recipe for Disaster or a Beneficial Strategy?

Groupthink has been blamed for major historical disasters, but studies show there may be some benefit to it.

By Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi
May 23, 2023 1:00 PM
Young business people working together as a group on a project. A glowing light bulb as a new idea.
(Credit:REDPIXEL.PL/Shutterstock)

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Social scientists have noticed an interesting trend in the last few decades. Groupthink is blamed when something goes wrong, whether it’s a military failure, technological disaster or even an advertising campaign in poor taste.

Some social scientists say groupthink is also used to explain everyday healthcare and corporate management failures.

If groupthink is so bad, why do humans do it so much?

What is Groupthink?

Groupthink occurs when people go along with a group’s irrational ideas. The motivation to do so is typically caused by a desire to conform and keep harmony within the group. Researchers find there are benefits to thinking cohesively as a group. More so, we’re designed to do it because it was an evolutionary advantage for early humans.

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