Groupthink is best described as a tendency to seek conformity. Which tactic mitigates it?

• A. Limit input to senior leaders to speed up decisions.
• B. Dominate the discussion to reach a quick consensus.
• C. Encourage dissent and invite external perspectives; use structured decision methods.
• D. Avoid considering alternatives to save time.

Answer: (C)

Groupthink happens when the drive for harmony leads a group to value quick agreement over careful evaluation. The way to counter that is to open the floor to dissent, bring in perspectives from outside the group, and follow a clear, structured decision process. When you encourage people to voice contrary views and invite external input, you push the team to challenge assumptions and consider options they might otherwise overlook. Adding structured decision methods—such as explicit criteria, multi-criteria analysis, and formal steps for evaluating alternatives—ensures decisions are based on evidence and logic rather than social pressure. This combination reduces the risk of premature consensus and leads to more robust, well-supported outcomes. Limiting input to a few insiders or dominating the discussion, in contrast, tends to suppress critical thinking and reinforce conformity, while skipping alternatives leaves potential options unexplored.