38. Social psychology - Groupthink and Conformity: Why Do We Follow the Majority?
People behave differently when they are alone versus when they are part of a group.
In particular, they often conform to the majority’s opinion or suppress their own thoughts within a group.
This phenomenon is explained by the concepts of groupthink and conformity.
In this post, we’ll explore the definitions, characteristics, and risks of these two psychological phenomena and discuss how to prevent them.
1. What is Groupthink?
(1) Definition
Groupthink refers to a situation where a team or organization excessively prioritizes harmony and consensus, leading to irrational decisions.
In this state, critical thinking is suppressed, and members tend to follow the opinions of the majority or the leader.
(2) Characteristics
- Suppression of critical opinions: It becomes difficult to voice dissent.
- Over-optimism: The outcomes of decisions are viewed overly positively.
- Group pressure: Members feel compelled to align with the majority opinion.
(3) Examples
- In a company project team, dissenting opinions are suppressed as everyone converges on a single idea.
- A historical example is the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961, where decision-makers ignored critical feedback for fear of disrupting group harmony.
2. What is Conformity?
(1) Definition
Conformity is the tendency to change one’s behavior, thoughts, or attitudes to align with social pressure.
People conform to avoid discomfort or criticism for acting differently from others.
(2) Types of Conformity
- Informational Conformity:
Following others’ opinions because you believe they are more accurate. - Example: Following a crowd in an unfamiliar place.
- Normative Conformity:
Adapting to others’ opinions to avoid social rejection. - Example: Agreeing with friends’ preferences even when they differ from your own.
(3) Experimental Evidence
- Asch Conformity Experiment:
Participants were influenced to choose incorrect answers when the majority of others in the group chose them.
3. Why Do Groupthink and Conformity Occur?
(1) Group Cohesiveness
- Excessive cohesiveness in a group can suppress dissenting opinions.
(2) Strong Leadership Influence
- A leader with strong authority can make it difficult for members to voice opposition.
(3) Social Pressure
- Members conform to avoid rejection or exclusion within the group.
(4) Time Pressure and Stress
- Under time constraints or stressful situations, individuals are more likely to conform to group opinions.
4. Risks of Groupthink and Conformity
(1) Irrational Decisions
- Insufficient discussion can lead to decisions that contain critical errors.
(2) Suppression of Creativity
- Members hesitate to propose new ideas.
(3) Avoidance of Responsibility
- Conforming to group decisions reduces personal accountability.
(4) Intensified Group Conflict
- Exclusion of dissenting opinions can escalate internal conflicts.
5. How to Prevent Groupthink and Conformity
(1) Encourage Open Discussion
- Foster an environment where dissenting opinions can be freely expressed.
(2) Collect Anonymous Opinions
- Use anonymous methods to gather ideas so members can share their thoughts without pressure.
(3) Invite External Experts
- Bring in external experts to provide critical perspectives.
(4) Adjust the Role of the Leader
- Leaders should facilitate discussions neutrally rather than imposing their opinions.
(5) Assign a “Devil’s Advocate”
- Designate someone to deliberately present counterarguments to encourage diverse perspectives.
Conclusion: Respect Critical Thinking and Diversity
Groupthink and conformity may bring short-term convenience but can lead to major mistakes in the long run.
Preventing these phenomena requires fostering a culture that values critical thinking and respects diverse opinions.
By finding the courage to voice your thoughts within a group and respecting others’ perspectives, you can contribute to healthier and more dynamic relationships.
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