Final answer:
Groupthink occurs when individuals suppress dissent in the interest of preserving group harmony, which can result in poor decision-making.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon being described is known as groupthink. It occurs when people in a meeting or group setting avoid disagreeing or raising objections because they prioritize harmony and cohesion over critical debate. This can lead to the quashing of dissenting group members' opinions, a tendency to see an illusion of unanimity among group members, and sometimes even shielding the group leader from dissenting views. During groupthink, there might also be an implicit pressure to not express differing viewpoints, thus maintaining a false appearance of agreement.
When working in teams, members often project a positive attitude and may inadvertently contribute to groupthink by refraining from criticism to maintain a collegial atmosphere. This can result in an environment where there is a lack of genuine diverse perspectives, which could potentially hinder effective decision-making. It's crucial for members within a group to feel safe in expressing their views, even if they dissent, in order to prevent the negative consequences of groupthink and to promote a healthier and more productive work culture.