Groups
Aspects of Group Influence
Social Facilitation
Social Loafing Collective
Influence
Deindividuation
Group Polarization
Groupthink Interactive
Influence
Minority Influence
Aspects of Groupthink
--An illusion of invulnerability
--Rationalization
--Unquestioned belief in the group's morality
--Stereotyped view of opponent
--Conformity pressure
--Self-censorship
--Illusion of unanimity
--Mindguards
The Dialectic Method
--A proposed course of action is generated.
--Assumptions underlying the proposal are identified.
--A conflicting counterproposal is generated based on
different assumptions.
--Advocates of each position present and debate the merits
of their proposals before the key decision makers.
--The decision to adopt either position, or some other position,
e.g., a compromise, is taken.
--The decision is monitored.
The Devil's Advocate Method
--A proposed course of action is generated.
--A devil's advocate (individual or group) is assigned to
criticize the proposal.
--The critique is presented to key decision makers.
--Any additional information relevant to the issues is generated.
--The decision to adopt, modify, or discontinue the proposed
course of action is taken.
--The decision is monitored.
Group Superiority vs. Inferiority
--Group Superiority: Informational, recognition
of correct hypthosis
(collective induction--Laughlin & McGlynn, 1986),
strength of
group protecting creative opinions.
--Group Inferiority: Groupthink, social loafing, rate busting,
overly
conservative or cautious, anonymity.
--Equal: Conditions of leadership.
Majority vs. Minority Opinion
--Majority opinion wins: Size, extremity of
position, perceived as
competent, exposure to minority opinion minimal.
--Minority opintion wins: Extremity and consistency of opinion,
majority opinion weak, majority opinion lacks strong
social
support, minority favorably categorized.