groupthink

American  

[groop-thingk] / ˈgrupˌθɪŋk /

noun

1. the practice of approaching problems or issues as matters that are best dealt with by consensus of a group rather than by individuals acting independently; conformity.

2. the lack of individual creativity, or of a sense of personal responsibility, that is sometimes characteristic of group interaction.

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groupthink British  

/ ˈɡruːpˌθɪŋk /

noun

1. a tendency within organizations or society to promote or establish the view of the predominant group

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Etymology

Origin of groupthink

1950–55; group + think ¹, on the model of doublethink

Example Sentences

Stephen Miran, who became a Fed governor in September and is on leave as a White House adviser, co-wrote a paper last year saying more dissent would help combat “pernicious groupthink.”

From The Wall Street Journal

He wanted to be as far from Wall Street’s groupthink as possible.

From MarketWatch

“But individual blacks are breaking away from the group, putting their self-interest ahead of groupthink, asserting their political individuality.”

From The Wall Street Journal

More insidious groupthink has taken hold inside the NFL: only quarterbacks can win the league’s Most Valuable Player award.

From The Wall Street Journal

His recommendations led to civil service reforms designed to challenge "groupthink" and empowering officials to speak out about policy concerns.

From BBC

Related Words

• analysis
• argument
• conference
• consideration
• consultation
• controversy
• conversation
• debate
• deliberation
• dialogue
• discourse
• dispute
• examination
• exchange
• interview
• meeting
• review
• scrutiny
• symposium
• wrangling