Final answer:
Groupthink is falsely described as positive in the statement; it's an irrational conformity that can lead to poor decision-making. Avoidance strategies include seeking diverse opinions and ensuring open dialogue without premature leadership influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement given is false. Groupthink is not a collaborative way to gather and analyze data to improve teamwork; rather, it is a psychological phenomenon where the desire for group conformity and consensus results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. It occurs when members of a group strive for unanimity overriding their motivation to realistically appraise alternative courses of action. Symptoms of groupthink include the illusion of invulnerability, collective rationalization, belief in inherent morality, stereotyped views of out-groups, direct pressure on dissenters, self-censorship, illusion of unanimity, and self-appointed ‘mind guards’.
To avoid groupthink, it is important to seek outside opinions, vote in private, and encourage open dialogue. Leadership should also refrain from stating their positions before everyone engages in the discussion, and all views should be researched fairly.