Final answer:
The term for the compulsion to maintain approval within a decision-making group at the expense of critical thinking is called 'groupthink'. It leads to dissent suppression and can result in dysfunctional decisions. To mitigate groupthink, it is important to encourage open discussions and consider all opinions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A compulsion by decision makers to maintain each other's approval, even at the cost of critical thinking and good judgment, is described as groupthink. This psychological phenomenon occurs within a group of people where the desire for harmony or conformity results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcomes. Members of the group may suppress dissenting viewpoints, set aside their own beliefs, and agree with the consensus of the group. The correct answer to the student's question is c. groupthink.
Key symptoms of groupthink include the illusion of invulnerability, collective rationalization, excessive stereotyping, and self-censorship, among others. Its occurrence can be linked to factors such as a strong desire for group cohesiveness, or a directive leader who stifles dissent. To avoid groupthink, strategies such as seeking diverse opinions, private voting, and open discussion of all viewpoints should be encouraged.