groupthink

[groop-thingk]

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.

groupthink

/ ˈɡruːpˌθɪŋk /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of groupthink¹

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.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

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

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

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

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• analysis 
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• wrangling www.thesaurus.com