Final answer:
Groupthink is less likely to occur under the condition of a directive leader, as this presence can inhibit group consensus. Symptoms of groupthink involve an unquestioned belief in the group's superiority, self-censorship among members, and an illusion of unanimity. Avoiding groupthink involves encouraging dissenting views, private voting, and withholding leader's opinions at early stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Groupthink is less likely to occur under the condition of a directive leader. Groupthink happens when a group prioritizes harmony and conformity over critical evaluation of differing viewpoints, often resulting in irrational or flawed decision-making. The presence of strong leadership, group cohesiveness, and isolation from dissenting viewpoints are all factors that contribute to groupthink. However, a directive leader, by imposing their opinions on the group, can actually inhibit the conditions necessary for groupthink because they may prevent the development of a group consensus by shutting down dissent before it even arises.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of groupthink which include perceiving the group as invincible, self-censorship, the illusion of unanimity, and negative attitudes toward out-groups. To avoid groupthink, some strategies include seeking outside opinions, voting in private, and having the leader withhold their position statements until after group members have voiced their views.