Name: Adelson B. Arado ID No.

: 190000002087
Code & Subject: BA203 Human Behavior in Organization August 03, 2019

The Verdict on Groupthink

I. Introduction

Interpersonal dynamics are a pervasive element of all organizations. Interpersonal relations can
vary from positive to negative and from personal to professional. Numerous outcomes can result from
various forms of interpersonal relations, including different levels of need satisfaction, social support,
synergy, performance, and conflict.

Groupthink is a recurrent flaw of group-oriented or democratic decision making, especially in

those groups affected by a lack of motivation to do an effective job, and instead look forward to getting
rid of the uncomfortable burden of deciding over an issue that the group of individuals reaches a
consensus without critical reasoning or evaluation of the consequences or alternatives. As presented in
the case, Henry Fonda was one of the twelve other white, middle-class, middle-aged men jury who is
trying the case of a man guilty in committing capital murder. These twelve jurors will be seated separate
from the crowd in a courtroom that is overcrowded. This group of men comes from different
backgrounds and professions who are set to make the best decision of the case.

When the trial is going on, Fonda has his doubts on the outcome and start to suggest alternative
interpretation of the case but feels dismayed because of the group unfounded decision.

II. Issues underlying the problem

 The jurors have different personalities that lead a situation undecided.

 The jurors are from middle-aged and they come from distinct backgrounds and professions that
is why they have lack of knowledge on how to make good decisions.
 The decision that these juror may produce may not be the best decision drawn from top
alternatives because of unanimity tendency.

III. Alternative Solutions to the problem

 The jurors have to study the being tried in order to set their level of understanding the facts and
circumstances present in the case.
 The composition of the group must be well planned because as a group it requires a collective
effort.
 Diversification of jury’s social background and ideology.
 Setting of rules on how to proceed in arriving into a decision.
IV. Conclusion

Making into conclusion is not a stress-free process, especially when the people making a
decision are variable. Meaning the composition of the group is varied in terms of age, profession and
experience. Because of these oftentimes decision are based on unanimity not from the best alternatives.
Antecedent for groupthink or the factors that make groupthink more likely include: cohesiveness;
insulation; lack of tradition or impartial leadership; lack of norms requiring methodical procedures;
homogeneity of social backgrounds and ideology; high stress from external threats or low hope of a
solution better than the leader’s; and the temporarily low self-esteem induced by situational factors. It is
also noted that any group is susceptible to groupthink but the structure of the jury system places juries
at particularly high risk. The structure of the jury system may not only be conducive but often helps
create the occurrence of groupthink. It is observed that different types of groups make different types of
errors, and groupthink increases the risk that all types of decision-making errors.

V. Recommendations

In every organization group discussions and deliberations commonly exists from the top
management and those charged with governance in making good decisions for the company. However
these groups may be formed and regardless of their personalities, each member must observe and
adhere to, first, the norms and guidelines set for the group. Moreover, each member must be objective
of their respective commitments and functions which is to choose the best alternative for decision
making. The selection process for group members must be refined to induce productivity and quality
outputs.

VI. Factual Experience

Decision making in group is termed by some people as groupthink. Sometimes while taking any
kind of decision in a group becomes very difficult as mutual consensus may not occur over some issues
among the group members. The process of solving the conflicts using certain specified activities is
known as conflict management. Its primary focus is on changing the controversial conditions regarding
the conflict. This case is like when you are hired to a new company, without first investigating if the
company offers benefits which are in line with your goals and aspirations in life, because of the urge to
skipping the burdensome situation of weighing down the pros and cons of being employed in the
company.