The Theory of Groupthink
As an international affairs student, I have taken many classes concerning various global conflicts and foreign policy crises. One of the most interesting things I have found throughout my academic journey is the connection between the lessons learned and discussed in foreign policy and my daily life as a 19-year-old college student.
One of these concepts that I’ve found to have an especially incredible real-world implication is the theory of groupthink. Developed by social psychologist Irving Janis in a 1972 study about the psychology of foreign-policy decisions, groupthink refers to the idea that individuals of a small and highly cohesive group tend to accept a consensus without the full consideration of all possible alternatives. While manifestations of this theory have certainly occurred in the realm of foreign policy, it is easy to see examples of this theory in my daily life whether it be something as small as choosing a spring break destination or picking out a dress for a spring party or something with more importance such as dealing with an issue that has arisen amongst a friend group.
It can be very easy to fall into the trap of agreeing with what everyone else is saying in a moment in which any sort of dissenting opinion is lacking or unappreciated. This concurrence seeking mindset tends to create situations where people who voice a different opinion are ostracized or cast to the side, perpetuating the cycle. Further, under the theory of groupthink, once a decision is made, it is often tricky to reevaluate the situation to come to a different outcome, even when second thoughts or changes of heart occur.
The trap of groupthink is a particularly dangerous one. It promotes a culture of uniformity and consensus when it may be more valuable to have an array of opinions and perspectives present. In conflicts that arise with friends, groupthink creates scenarios that may target one person as the rest of the friend group is in agreement. In the workplace or school, groupthink decreases collaboration and lessens the chance of an open, honest discussion acknowledging and respecting all viewpoints.
Like most parents, mine always encouraged me to be a leader, not a follower. They taught me to ask questions, educate myself when I was uneducated, and form my own opinions – even when they didn’t follow the norm. As a child, it is easy to march to the beat of your own drum, but as you get older, it becomes more comfortable to follow the beat of others. This is precisely what the theory groupthink warns against.
Whether studying the interactions of foreign governments in pivotal moments of history or resolving friend group issues, it can be valuable to remember the ideals of groupthink. Don’t agree with what everyone else is saying just to fit in with the group, speak your mind, and be willing to reevaluate past decisions or opinions and admit when you were wrong.