Which process involves the suppression of dissenting opinions in a cohesive group, leading to poorer decision-making outcomes? 

The correct answer is 'Groupthink'

Key Points

• Groupthink:
  • Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a cohesive group when the desire for harmony or conformity results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcomes.
  • Members of the group suppress dissenting opinions, leading to a lack of critical evaluation of alternatives and poor decisions.
  • Group members tend to prioritize consensus over the quality of the decision, often leading to suboptimal outcomes.
  • This phenomenon was first introduced by social psychologist Irving Janis in 1972.

Additional Information

• Group Polarization:
  • Group polarization refers to the tendency of a group to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclination of its members.
  • While it involves a shift in decision-making, it is not specifically about suppressing dissenting opinions.
• Social Loafing:
  • Social loafing is the phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group compared to when working alone.
  • It is related to individual effort rather than group decision-making processes.
• Social Facilitation:
  • Social facilitation refers to the tendency for people to perform better on simple tasks in the presence of others.
  • It is more about individual performance in social settings rather than group decision-making.