Group Think and Working in Groups
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School
American Public University *
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Course
100
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by AlexisLopez040
1.
What is the difference (in your words) between groupthink and the
Abilene Paradox?
Groupthink is when everyone agrees on the same decision and Abilene Paradox is
when you don't agree but still choose to quietly go with the crowd, avoiding
confrontation.
2. Which do you think is easier to fall into and why?
Personally I believe that Abilene Paradox is easier ton fall into because people
tend to look the other way, or quietly agree with something someone says simply
because the whole crowd agrees. Also not many people have the courage to
stand up and be the difference, or sore thumb of the group. I view it as when you
have a jury. I believe that sometimes in order for the jury to go home they have to
have a verdict. At first the jury is split in half on the decision. Then it's a few on
the opposite side. Then there's 3. On the next one the jury will probably have a
verdict, because for one, you don't want the whole group to hate you because
you're the reason that is preventing them from going home. Similar concept.
3. If you were leading a group and saw signs of Groupthink, how would
you handle it?
I would ask each individual their reasons behind their decision. If it's original then
they probably truly agree with their case. Or if it sounds like they are trying to tell
me what everyone else would say then I know it's not Groupthink, its Abilene
Paradox. I strongly believe that Groupthink isn't 100%. Not everyone can believe
what everyone else does because then they aren't truly thinking what they
individually actually think. If that makes sense.
4. Are there any personal examples of any of these (Groupthink, Abilene
Paradox, etc) decision blunders that you have been a part of and realize
now?
Absolutely we all part take in events such as elections, fundraisers, following
orders, etc. I realize now that I don't fall into Abilene Paradox as much as I had
originally though when I was reading this weeks lecture but occasionally I do but
it's work related and I don't really have a choice so I go with the grain not against
it.
Think back to some teams you have been on that were especially
dysfunctional or effective. Did they follow the team dynamics favored
by Google, or were they more directive in nature? What made them work
(or not work)?Think back to some teams you have been on that were
especially dysfunctional or effective. Did they follow the team dynamics
favored by Google, or were they more directive in nature? What made
them work (or not work)?
A dysfunctional team I was part of was with my old squad leader that was old-
school Army. While I love some aspects of the old-school Army, there is reasons
why it's old and not new school. He was a leader that was in the mindset of "his
way or the highway" He would publicly yell and embarrass a soldier simply
because they forgot their ACH on Monday. Some things that made it not work,
was that he wouldn't be emphatic, or make personal connections with each of his
soldiers only the ones that agreed with his view. Due to not being able to adapt,
one of the biggest skills in the military, he had to retire. I learned several lessons
from him, and how to be a better leader than he was.
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