Groupthink is a problem in group work because individuals do not always make the best decisions due to this.

Groupthink is a problem in group work because individuals do not always make the best decisions due to this.

• A. Social loafing
• B. Groupthink
• C. Brainstorming
• D. Role ambiguity

Answer: (B)

Groupthink describes a situation in which the desire for group harmony and consensus leads to poor decision making because individuals suppress dissenting opinions and fail to critically evaluate alternatives. In a group, this means members go along with what others think rather than examining all options or voicing concerns, often to maintain cohesion or avoid conflict. As a result, decisions end up being less effective or riskier than they would be if diverse perspectives and critical evaluation were encouraged. That’s why this option is the best fit for explaining why group work can produce imperfect decisions. Social loafing is when people exert less effort because others are also contributing. Brainstorming is a method used to generate many ideas, often used to counteract groupthink by encouraging free thinking. Role ambiguity is unclear duties and expectations within the group, which can cause coordination problems but doesn’t specifically capture the decision-quality issue caused by conformity and suppression of dissent.

Groupthink describes a situation in which the desire for group harmony and consensus leads to poor decision making because individuals suppress dissenting opinions and fail to critically evaluate alternatives. In a group, this means members go along with what others think rather than examining all options or voicing concerns, often to maintain cohesion or avoid conflict. As a result, decisions end up being less effective or riskier than they would be if diverse perspectives and critical evaluation were encouraged. That’s why this option is the best fit for explaining why group work can produce imperfect decisions.

Social loafing is when people exert less effort because others are also contributing. Brainstorming is a method used to generate many ideas, often used to counteract groupthink by encouraging free thinking. Role ambiguity is unclear duties and expectations within the group, which can cause coordination problems but doesn’t specifically capture the decision-quality issue caused by conformity and suppression of dissent.