Final answer:
Groupthink occurs when group members conform to what they believe is the consensus, which can lead to poor decision-making. Factors that increase vulnerability to groupthink include a highly cohesive group, directive leadership, and isolation from external opinions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Groupthink is a phenomenon that can significantly impact decision-making within a group. Members of a group are more vulnerable to groupthink when:
- The group is highly cohesive and there is a strong emphasis on maintaining harmony within the group. This can lead to the suppression of dissent and the unwillingness to consider alternative ideas or viewpoints.
- A strong, directive leader is present, expressing clear expectations about the group's direction or decisions. This can create pressure on members to conform and minimize disagreement, reducing critical evaluation of ideas.
- The group is isolated from outside opinions, leading to a lack of diverse perspectives. This can cause an illusion of unanimity and overconfidence in the group's decisions, reducing the likelihood of members raising objections.
To combat groupthink, it is important to promote open communication, encourage the expression of diverse opinions, and potentially utilize strategies such as anonymous voting or seeking external viewpoints.