What is group think?

• Group think is a consequence of extreme cohesiveness. So the members never criticise the leader and try to defend him.

• Group think is the name given to the tendency for certain types of group to reach decisions that are extreme and which tend to be unwise or unrealistic.

• Group-members may ignore or discount information that is inconsistent with their chosen decision and express strong disapproval against any group-member who might disagree.

• The eventual decisions are taken without criticism. The social and political consequences of group think may be far-reaching; and history has many examples of major blunders that have been the results of decisions reached in this way.

Following steps can be taken to reduce it:

• Encouraging and rewarding critical thinking. e.g., 'Best criticism award'.

• Encouraging groups to present alternative courses of action.

• Making outside expert to evaluate group decisions.