Groupthink is definitely a serious issue. However, it is integral to the solution for people to understand it’s true definition. I love that Janis explains the definition against the commonly confused definition as “ nondeliberate suppression of critical thoughts as a result of the internalization of the group’s norms.. [not]… deliberate suppression on the basis of external threats of social punishment”. Both of these are issues that often sprout when there are leaders working together in groups. However, groupthink is almost more threatening due to its invisibility. It is hard for people to know, let alone to acknowledge when it’s happening.
The solution to the problem of groupthink is true inclusivity. Diversity insinuates that there are people of different characteristics or viewpoints, while inclusivity adds the empowerment piece to it all. Inclusivity allows enough cohesivity that everyone feels the power to speak up while also maintaining their individual authenticity and not letting their ideas get swallowed up by the group. The examples given in the article in conjunction with the movie all give great examples as to when and why even powerhouses like the United States can move very inefficiently. When the United States effectively uses its one “secret weapon” of diversity in all aspects, we will truly be made great. We have yet to do so but hopefully with acknowledging tendencies like these, we can correct these issues as we move forward. So we will never have to be in such a strenuous period of such avoidable nature, ever again.
I agree with your statement that it is important for people to know the true definition of groupthink. It is critical that everyone knows it is not deliberate.
I agree that groupthink can be more threatening due to its invisibility but I question if inclusivity and diversity are the answer to the problem. It can be extremely hard for a group to agree if all viewpoints are in the group and can ultimately take longer for them to get stuff done.
I do agree with you that inclusivity would help groupthink, but I won’t if the problems will ever be solved or if people just aren’t as comfortable voicing their opinions when in groups. It’s proven people are more comfortable saying something in an anonymous setting, so it may just be the conditions of this situation.
I agree with your point on inclusivity. This comes to a concept used in democracy. Groupthink happens a lot during the presidential elections.