Question

Which of the following would NOT be effective in minimizing groupthink?

• A. The leader being impartial to all ideas no matter what they are
• B. The leader reminding the team that everyone will be held responsible for the decision of the group
• C. The leader taking all decisions on behalf of the group
• D. The leader arriving at a consensus quickly

Hint:

To combat groupthink: leader stays neutral, slow down decisions, assign a devil’s advocate, and invite outside critiques $\Rightarrow$ better debate, less conformity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C, D

Step 1: What reduces groupthink?
Classic remedies include a leader staying {impartial}, encouraging dissent (devil’s advocate), inviting outside opinions, using subgroups, and delaying premature consensus.

Step 2: Evaluate options.
(A) Effective (thus NOT an answer). Leader impartiality reduces conformity pressure.
(B) Effective (thus NOT an answer). Accountability reduces mindless concurrence.
(C) Not effective. A leader unilaterally deciding bypasses deliberation rather than improving the group’s decision process; it does not “minimize” groupthink within the team’s dynamics. $\Rightarrow$ Select.
(D) Not effective. Pushing for quick consensus fosters the very symptoms of groupthink (suppressed dissent, illusion of unanimity). $\Rightarrow$ Select.
Conclusion: (C) and (D) would {not} be effective in minimizing groupthink.