Final answer:
Groupthink is a phenomenon where group harmony overpowers sound decision-making, leading to poor outcomes. To avoid groupthink, strategies include seeking diverse opinions, secretive voting, leader neutrality until all views are expressed, thorough research, evaluating pros and cons, and planning contingencies. Group polarization compounds this by intensifying a group's original attitudes after discussion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Groupthink and Its Avoidance
The problem of groupthink often arises when a group makes flawed decisions due to group pressures. Originating from a desire for group harmony or due to the dominating influence of a group leader, groupthink is characterized by a lack of critical evaluation of various perspectives and can result in poor and unchallenged decision-making processes. To prevent groupthink, it is essential to encourage a culture of open and critical dialogue. Strategies include seeking outside opinions, conducting secret ballots, allowing all members to express their views before leaders, researching all viewpoints thoroughly, and assessing the pros and cons of every option. Creating a contingency plan can also serve as a safeguard against poor group decisions.
Group polarization is a related concept where the group's initial stance on an issue becomes significantly stronger after group discussions. It can often lead to actions that wouldn't be taken by individuals on their own, contributing to societal phenomena such as political partisanship. This is reinforced when people only engage with media that reflects their views, deepening the divide between different viewpoints.
To combat groupthink, it is crucial that political leaders and decision-makers are aware of these dynamics and take steps to prevent them, thereby ensuring that group decisions are well-informed and consider a multiplicity of perspectives.