What characterizes groupthink?

Groupthink is characterized by discouraging creativity or individual responsibility in group decisions. This phenomenon occurs when a group prioritizes consensus and harmony over critical thinking and individual input, often leading to poor decision-making outcomes. In a groupthink environment, members may feel pressured to conform to the group's views, suppress dissenting opinions, and avoid challenging the status quo. This conformity can stifle creativity since individuals may hold back innovative ideas or unique perspectives to maintain group cohesion. As a result, the group’s decisions may lack thorough examination and consideration of potential alternatives, which is detrimental to effective problem-solving and innovative thinking.