Groupthink and Group Conflict

Paper Summary:

The paper analyzes group interaction based on the context of a medical environment/workplace. The researcher, as a professional registered nurse, uses the medical setting as an example of Irving Janis' groupthink theory. This theory inevitably reflects the dynamics, both positive and negative, within group decision-making. The paper posits that groupthink is a phenomenon often overlooked, yet an ever-present factor that causes poor decision-making and ineffective leadership among the members of the medical community. The paper concludes that acceptance, or at least tolerance and respect of each other's cultures are imperative actions that lessen the effects of groupthink without necessarily influencing the level of cohesion and unanimity present within a group.

From the Paper:

"Groupthink theory as defined by its creator and developer, Irving Janis, is "a mode of thinking that people engage in when they are deeply involved in a cohesive in-group, when members' strivings for unanimity override their motivation to realistically appraise alternative courses of action" (Kreitner &Kinicki, 1995:255). Key terms that make up the core idea of the theory are "in-group" and 'cohesion': the strength of cohesion in a group (in-group) determines the level of "groupthink" present within (the group). That is, cohesion and groupthink level are positively correlated the more cohesive a group is, the greater the level of groupthink or unanimity of thinking the group has. Conversely, a lower or low level of groupthink can be found in groups determined to have lesser cohesion or unity among each other."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Kreitner, R. and A. Kinicki. (1996). Organizational Behavior. Chicago: Richard D. Irwin, Inc.
• Littlejohn, S. (1998). Theories of Human Communication. CA: Wadsworth Publishing Co.

More papers on Groupthink and Group Conflict:

• Analytical Essay # 146010 : "Ethnic Group Conflict"
• Term Paper # 144484 : "Groupthink and Business Groups"
• Essay # 68536 : "Resolving Group Conflict"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: