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

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

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“Is this just groupthink, brainwashing or what, on either side?” he said.

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“It’s partly to reflect the population, to be open to the best people, and also to avoid the 'groupthink' which comes from only having one type of background or one way of understanding the world.”

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Yet, on the Democratic side, there are signs of groupthink too - the bafflement over the choices of their opponents and a readiness to see all Republican voters as motivated by the narrow politics of prejudice.

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The former Conservative chancellor - who was also the UK's longest-serving health secretary - admitted to being part of "groupthink" among officials over pandemic policy.

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