Which pitfall of group decision making is characterized by a failure to communicate because the group is more concerned about maintaining harmony?

The correct answer is groupthink, which refers to a situation in decision-making processes where the desire for harmony and conformity within a group leads to irrational or dysfunctional outcomes. In these scenarios, members suppress their dissenting viewpoints, fail to critically analyze alternatives, and ultimately prioritize consensus over the quality of the decision being made. This phenomenon can inhibit open discussion and exploration of diverse perspectives, resulting in suboptimal choices.

Groupthink can stifle creativity and critical thinking, as individuals may withhold their thoughts or concerns for fear of disrupting the group’s cohesiveness. This is particularly problematic in an organizational context, where robust decision-making is essential for success. Members might ignore potential risks or alternative options simply to avoid conflict, which can lead to group decisions that don’t take all relevant information or viewpoints into account.

Recognizing groupthink is crucial for leaders and teams, as fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue and values dissenting opinions can mitigate its effects and promote more effective decision-making processes.