Final answer:
Leslie's belief that conflict isn't always a bad thing is in alignment with the fact that conflict can prevent groupthink. It allows for open dialogue and the exploration of different perspectives, which can enhance group decision making. It is important for conflict to be managed well to ensure it leads to positive outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Leslie is correct in believing that conflict isn't always bad. Conflict can indeed be beneficial in that it may help in avoiding one of the biggest problems that groups face, which is known as groupthink. Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, where the desire for harmony or conformity results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. By engaging in constructive conflict, groups can prevent the uniformity of thought that leads to groupthink.
Conflict encourages open dialogue, the exploration of different perspectives, and the consideration of a variety of solutions. This dynamic can foster innovative thinking and prevent the tendency of groups to rush into poor decisions because everyone seeks agreement rather than expressing dissent. Therefore, in this context, conflict can be viewed as a mechanism to enhance group decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
While conflict can be disruptive, it can also serve to address underlying issues, paving the way for compromise and better collective outcomes. It's essential, however, to manage conflict effectively to ensure that it leads to positive results rather than causing further division or stress within the group.