Groupthink

1
(No Transcript)
2
DEFINITION
PHENOMENON THAT OCCURS WHEN MEMBERS OF A COHESIVE
GROUP ARE CONCERNED WITH QUICKLY REACHING A
CONSENSUS IN THEIR DECISION MAKING WITHOUT
CRITICALLY ANALYZING AND EVALUATING IDEAS.
3
ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR

• WHAT HAPPENED?
• WAS A SURPRISE, PREEMPTIVE MILITARY STRIKE BY
  THE IMPERIAL JAPANESE NAVY AIR SERVICE UPON THE
  UNITED STATES
• THE ATTACK LED TO THE UNITED STATES' FORMAL
  ENTRY INTO WORLD WAR II THE NEXT DAY.
• 68 KILLED
• 35 WOUNDED

4
SYMPTOMPS OF GROUPTHINK
Illusions of invulnerability creating excessive
optimism and encouraging risk taking
Rationalizing warnings that might challenge the
groups assumptions.
5
Ignore that had a tendency to launch attack
before declaring war

• US underestimated Japanese intentions and
  continued sending scrap iron, and other raw
  materials to Japan.
• 9 years before the bombing, Admiral Frank
  Schofield anticipated a possible attack from
  Hawaii to Pacific

• The military confirmed his theory that aircrafts
  attacking from the Pacific would be undetected
  would break havoc on the harbor.
• Despite these results, the military refused to
• reexamine their defenses

6
Encourage
Encourage conflict and debate
STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING THE TENDENCY OF
GROUPTHINK
Assign the role of devils advocate
Assign
Gather outside opinions
Gather
Allow
Allow for independent evaluation