Pedagogical activity demonstrates groupthink and power dynamics during decision-making in communication students, highlighting experiential learning strategies to mitigate conformity bias.
Groupthink can have and has had disastrous consequences because groups often rush to make a decision without considering all alternatives. Furthermore, several symptoms of groupthink and various types of power can also negatively affect group dynamics. Students understand the concept and theory of groupthink, but they lack awareness of experiencing it in practice. This quick class activity shows students how poor decision-making and groupthink can emerge in a classroom or discussion setting when we fail to critically analyze ideas before arriving at a decision.Courses Introduction to Communication, Business and Professional Communication, Small Group Communication, Leadership.Objectives After completing this activity, students should be able to: (1) Explain groupthink, (2) Identify common symptoms of groupthink and how they affect group decision-making, (3) Suggest ways to reduce the likelihood of groupthink, and (4) Recognize different types of power and influence in groups.
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Christina L. Ross (2026) studied this question.
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