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Group Decision-Making Theory

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Group Thinking Theory, a study on group decision-making, is developed by Irving Janis. According to Janis, it is “based on human social behavior in which maintaining group solidarity is regarded more important than considering the facts in a realistic manner (Janis, I. 2014). Groupthink is defined as “the mode of thinking when people are deeply involved in a cohesive group and the members are striving for unanimity override their motivation to realistically appraise alternate courses of action” (Janis, I, 2014). Moreover, Janis mentioned that when the group is highly cohesive, isolated from contrary opinions and is ruled by a directive leader who makes his/her wishes known; these conditions will likely encourage them into group thinking. …show more content…

This theory assumed that each member will contribute to the group discussion or decision without being influenced by other members of the group. This tool will guide the group to gather more creative ideas and views. Basically this tool requires the group to present the problem to all members of the group and to give them ample time to think of solutions based on their own opinions and views. When all participants have prepared their own solutions to solve the problem, two members will initially discuss their solutions, followed by adding another member one by one, until all members are gathered and has shared their own solution without hearing or being biased by other …show more content…

One way of preventing group thinking is by having a team leader, which should not be judgmental and biased, that will facilitate the group discussion. The team leader will ask each member of the group to share their opinions as well as will encourage each member to speak without hesitation. The team leader should act as the facilitator that will lead the discussion and end unnecessary or derogatory statements from other members to avoid the symptoms of Direct Pressure on Dissenters since it should be focused that this is an open discussion and there are no right or wrong answers as the group is only brainstorming a solution to solve the presented

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