What does groupthink refer to in a team setting?

Groupthink refers to a phenomenon that occurs within cohesive teams where the desire for harmony and conformity leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcomes. In a team setting, when groupthink is present, members prioritize consensus over critical evaluation of alternative viewpoints. This often results in a reduction of individual creativity and dissenting opinions, stifling innovation and potentially leading to poor decisions that are not adequately scrutinized.

This concept typically manifests when team members suppress their own opinions or fail to voice concerns due to the prevailing group consensus, creating a scenario where critical thinking is compromised. Consequently, while the team may appear united, they may engage in flawed reasoning and ignore significant information that could lead to better decisions. Groupthink is often marked by a sense of invulnerability and an illusion of unanimity, further reinforcing a lack of critical assessment.

In contrast, the other options represent different dynamics that do not align with the essence of groupthink. The blending of diverse opinions usually fosters robust discussions and better decision-making. Innovative thinking that challenges the status quo encourages divergent thinking, which is the opposite of the conformity seen in groupthink. Lastly, while majority opinion overriding minority concerns might happen in some contexts, it does not fully encapsulate the essence of groupthink, which is more about