What is a potential impact of Group Think in an organization?

Group Think refers to a psychological phenomenon where a group of individuals reaches a consensus without critical reasoning or evaluation of alternatives. This often occurs to maintain harmony or avoid conflict within the group. When Group Think is prevalent, members may suppress dissenting viewpoints, discourage individual creativity, and fail to consider all possible options, leading to poor decision-making outcomes.

The correct answer highlights that this lack of critical engagement can stifle creativity and result in decisions that do not necessarily reflect the best path forward for the organization. When diverse perspectives are not integrated or valued, innovation falters, as the group may miss out on unique insights or solutions that could emerge from a more inclusive deliberative process.

The other options reflect more positive aspects of group dynamics but do not accurately describe the implications of Group Think. For instance, while enhanced cohesion and trust might seem beneficial, they can become detrimental when they come at the expense of healthy debate and the exploration of diverse ideas. Fostering diverse opinions is contrary to the essence of Group Think, as it thrives on consensus rather than diversity. Encouraging all members to voice their ideas freely also conflicts with Group Think’s tendency to silence dissent.