Black Friday took on a new meaning when it was reported that a Wal-Mart employee had been trampled to death by a stampede of some 2000 shoppers who had gathered outside the store to begin their holiday shopping. This morning, CNN aired a video asking "was 'groupthink' responsible for his death?"
Groupthink has long been thought to be a major reason why some businesses and organizations fail. The concept leads to poor decision making and results in a lack of creativity by creating an environment in which individual creativity, uniqueness, and independent thinking are lost in the pursuit of group cohesiveness. Group members settle into a comfort zone, and resist promoting or even mentioning differing viewpoints or ideas that could make them look foolish, or possibly embarrass or anger other members of the group. Innovation is stifled. Hasty decisions are made without thorough consideration or evaluation. Group members become sheep.
Groupthink can kill a business. It's sad to see that it may have also reared its head in public and led to a man's death as well.
Dec 1, 2008
Is groupthink deadly?
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2 comments:
Have you ever heard of the Gadarene Swine Law? It states that just because a group is in formation does not mean they are headed in the right direction. I think it applies here. Darn them pigs!
December 1, 2008 at 2:30 PMI've seen this over and over again. My bosses like to drown themselves with data to the point they become ineffective at making any decision. And then when someone does question anything my boss twist data to refute your point, regardless of whether your idea is right or not.
December 1, 2008 at 2:36 PMIt kills business by killing the spirit, morale, and initiative of employees and team members.
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