What does 'groupthink' refer to?

'Groupthink' refers to a phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, where the desire for harmony or conformity results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. When group members prioritize consensus over critical evaluation of alternatives, this can lead to a lack of creativity and the suppression of individual opinions.

In this context, the correct choice highlights how groupthink can lead to poor decision-making, as the emphasis on agreeing with one another may overshadow necessary critical thinking and diverse perspectives. This danger is particularly high in cohesive groups, where members might avoid raising dissenting viewpoints to maintain the group's unity. As a result, the group may overlook significant information, fail to analyze risks adequately, and make decisions that are not in the best interest of their goals.

The other options highlight different aspects of group dynamics or decision-making but do not accurately capture the core issue associated with groupthink. For instance, collaborative decision-making suggests a healthy process of working together without the detrimental effects of conformity. Meanwhile, enhancing diverse viewpoints and improving group dynamics imply valuing different opinions and constructive interaction, which are opposite to the characteristics of groupthink.