Final answer:
When a group shows mutual affection and closely coordinated behavior, they are demonstrating group cohesiveness, which refers to the bonds among group members that enhance teamwork and productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Group cohesiveness is the bond that draws a group of people together. It is evident when members of a group display mutual affection and work together seamlessly, often leading to the group's success. Unlike groupthink, where members set aside their own personal beliefs or adopt the opinion of the rest of the group for the sake of unanimity, group cohesiveness focuses on the harmony and strong relationships among members. Moreover, group cohesiveness is beneficial as it can increase member productivity, enhance morale, and foster higher levels of participation. The concept of group cohesiveness emphasizes the positive aspects of being in a group, the members' attraction to the group, and their intention to remain part of the group. On the other hand, groupthink typically involves the negative aspect of conformity and may lead to inferior decision making as dissenting opinions may be suppressed.
It is critical to distinguish between group cohesiveness, which is generally positive and fosters good teamwork, and the more negative aspects of conformity such as groupthink which can hinder creativity and problem-solving within a group.