I am looking for information on (groupthink/devil's advocate).
Why I need it.
The CEO has been extremely frustrated with what has been occurring within the organization lately. In a recent manager meeting he exclaimed, "Everyone around this place just follows the status quo. No one ever has any unique ideas on how we can make this organization better. You just sit here and wait for me to give you directions on what to do. Then you follow those directions word for word without asking any questions or making any improvements. We need to change this attitude and change it quickly." He then pointed out each of your group members and said, "You are in charge of fixing this and I want a strategy to fix this on my desk in one week!"
Your group knows that this happens often in organizations:
Can this type of behavior best be explained using groupthink, social comparison theory, conformity, group polarization, or a combination of explanations?
As a group you need to attempt to arrive at a consensus decision regarding which theory best frames or explains why this is occurring in the organization. Following the group deliberation, your group needs to develop the strategic plan for the CEO. This strategic plan should address the following:
What social psychological theory or theories best explains what is occurring within the organization and why?
What can people do to avoid a group or mob mentality (such as deindividuation or groupthink)?
An explanation of at least three changes that can be made within the organization to improve the current conditions that the CEO is concerned about.
Thank you for any help.
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. It seems the group will need to get together without the CEO, Perhaps he has been too dictatorial and has prevented open communication. If the leader is too strong each member may be too intimidated to voice an opinion.
The group will need a "leader" or devil's advocate, if you will, but not the same person for each meeting. A dialectical method would allow a free-exchange of ideas and stimulate inventive thinking.
This group would have to identify the problems, have time for research outside the company, brainstorm solutions (quantity not quality at this time), list ALL the possible solutions and with discussion then eliminate the unworkable plans and/or condense similar ideas.
P.S. You might find some of the following helpful:
1. http://www.managementhelp.org/prsn_prd/decision.htm
2. http://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newMN_TED.htm
3. http://home.ubalt.edu/ntsbarsh/opre640/partXIII.htm
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To explore and understand the behavior occurring in the organization, your group can consider various social psychological theories. In this case, groupthink, conformity, and social comparison theory are all relevant explanations.
First, groupthink refers to the tendency for group members to prioritize harmony and consensus over critical thinking and individual contributions. This behavior can lead to a lack of diverse perspectives and innovative ideas, as individuals may hesitate to voice dissenting opinions or challenge the dominant group consensus.
Conformity plays a role in organizational behavior when individuals change their attitudes or behaviors to align with the perceived norms or expectations of the group. This can result in a reluctance to deviate from the status quo, as seen in your organization.
Social comparison theory suggests that individuals often evaluate themselves and their ideas by comparing them to others. In an organizational context, this can lead to a perceived pressure to conform and align with the majority opinion in order to gain acceptance or avoid criticism.
To avoid these negative group dynamics, your group can implement strategies to encourage open communication and critical thinking. Here are some suggestions:
1. Encourage diversity of thought: Actively seek out diverse perspectives and invite individuals to share their unique ideas and insights. This can be done through brainstorming sessions or open forums for discussion.
2. Foster psychological safety: Create an environment where individuals feel safe to express their opinions without fear of judgment or retribution. This can be achieved by promoting respectful and non-judgmental communication, and by valuing and listening to all contributions.
3. Assign a designated devil's advocate: Rotate the role of devil's advocate within your group. This person's responsibility is to challenge the dominant group consensus, ask probing questions, and encourage critical thinking.
In terms of the strategic plan for the CEO, consider addressing the following:
1. Implement a culture of innovation: Develop initiatives that encourage and reward innovative thinking, such as idea generation competitions, cross-functional collaboration, or designated time for creative problem-solving.
2. Promote transparent communication: Establish channels for open communication, such as regular town hall meetings, suggestion boxes, or anonymous feedback mechanisms. This can help ensure that ideas and concerns are heard and addressed.
3. Provide training and development opportunities: Offer workshops or training sessions focused on critical thinking, communication skills, and conflict resolution. This can empower employees to challenge the status quo and contribute to organizational improvement.
Remember, the goal is to create an environment that values diverse perspectives, fosters critical thinking, and encourages individuals to challenge the group consensus when necessary. By addressing these issues and implementing the suggested changes, your organization can overcome the current challenges and drive positive change.