Question

In the West, we value developing an autonomous and individualistic personality. In many Eastern cultures, “Groupthink” is a standard collectivistic expectation.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of both?

How does Groupthink and Autonomy manifest itself in human relationships, the workplace, social circles, organizations, the classroom, etc.?

What are examples in our own culture where we are encouraged to practice Groupthink? Autonomy?

What cultures around the globe practice Groupthink. What might be the problems of the autonomous thinking U.S. forming an alliance with these countries?

If you had a business or personal relationship with a Groupthink person, what problems or misunderstandings might arise?

If you were raised in a Groupthink culture, how would your life be different from the way it is now?

Answer 1

There are a number of potential advantages when it comes to groupthink. Groupthink can lead to more favorable outcomes through synergy, which is the belief that the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. Groupthink enables reduced conflict between individual members and provides an overall direction. Through this, group members can explore all the aspects of a predetermined solution based on their unique information and expertise. However, disadvantages of groupthink include diffusion of responsibility wherein there is a lack of accountability among members. It allows them deny personal responsibility and blame others for bad decisions. Extreme loyalty to the group can also lead to a loss of individual creativity, uniqueness, and independent thinking. In addition, groupthink tends to isolate members of the group from the outside world.

Please post the other questions separately as we are supposed to answer just one question or four sub parts of the same question.