Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people in which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. It is a dynamic that can lead to bad decisions and even disasters, and it occurs when people converge on the same idea with little critical thinking or opposition within the ranks.

Here are some key characteristics and causes of groupthink:

• Desire for harmony or conformity: Groupthink is based on a common desire not to upset the balance of a group of people. This desire creates a dynamic within a group whereby creativity and individuality tend to be stifled in order to avoid conflict.

• Lack of critical thinking: Groupthink occurs when a group of individuals reaches a consensus without critical reasoning or evaluation of the consequences or alternatives.

• Pressure to conform: Any dissenters in the group who may attempt to introduce a rational argument are pressured to come around to the consensus and may even be censored.

• Highly cohesive groups: Groupthink is most likely to occur in highly cohesive groups with a strong sense of shared identity, where there is a strong pressure to arrive at the correct decision.

• Charismatic leader: A strong or charismatic leader is also a major contributor to groupthink since members will be under pressure to agree with the leaders decisions.

Groupthink is generally considered a negative phenomenon, and groups generally can benefit from hearing a diverse set of perspectives and information. To avoid groupthink, it is important to have a diverse set of group members in order to have different perspectives, which can help reach a more balanced, optimal conclusion. Additionally, having a “devil’s advocate” or someone who raises ideas contrary to the ones presented despite their own opinion can help produce debates, create new ideas, or help determine the strength of an existing idea. Considering the opposing groups’ points of view is also key.