Definition of groupthink
: a pattern of thought characterized by self-deception, forced manufacture of consent, and conformity to group values and ethics
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Recent Examples of groupthink from the Web
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Psychologists wrote the book on unhealthy aspects of peer pressure, obsessive desire for conformity and acceptance, groupthink and intellectual dishonesty, but seem unable to diagnose and treat their own afflictions.
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And for a woman who detests groupthink, Owens revels in the power of a horde.
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When there’s as strong a consensus as there was regarding division winners this spring training, there is also groupthink run amok.
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Where identity politics reigns, so, too, do its regents: polarization, gridlock and groupthink.
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There can be some annoying groupthink, and the media enthusiasm can verge on boosterism, but NBA Twitter is rarely mean-spirited.
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This is more about groupthink and breaking through that, and celebrating people's individuality and expression.
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Still to come, 'Defending the First' series, Ben Shapiro, a lot more, combatting groupthink on college campuses and beyond.
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We were given a common language that sought to bond us, ensconce us in groupthink and separate us from the outside.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'groupthink.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of groupthink
Financial Definition of GROUPTHINK
groupthink
What It Is
Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon whereby pressure within a group to agree results in failures to think critically about an issue, situation or decision.
How It Works
Let's say John, Jane, and Jeff are fund managers for the XYZ mutual fund company. They meet weekly to discuss their investing strategies and their top picks. The three get along well and trust each other's judgment.
One day, Jeff proposes buying shares of ABC Company for his fund. He plans to make a large buy and says he likes the company's fundamentals. John and Jane go along with the plan and buy the stock for their funds, too. Two weeks later, the stock has fallen by 50%.
John, Jane, and Jeff are the victims of groupthink. They didn't independently analyze the stock and relied on everyone else in the group to point out flaws in Jeff's thinking.
Psychologist Irving Janis coined the term in 1972. Janis cited eight signals of groupthink:
1. Excessive optimism
2. Discounting warnings
3. A belief that the other person's motives are ethical
4. A belief that people outside the group are troublemakers or create conflict
5. Pressure not to disagree with other members of the group
6. Failure to express doubts or differing opinions
7. Assumption that what most of the group believes is what all of the group believes
8. Members who "protect" the leader from conflicting information or dissenters
Why It Matters
In the investing world, groupthink is akin to a "herd mentality." Knowing how to recognize groupthink provides a tremendous opportunity for contrarians to recognize when investors are buying or selling without thinking. This allows contrarians to question trends and even go in the opposite direction.
Source: Investing Answers
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