final paper organizational behavior - enactus - final

8/10/2019 Final Paper Organizational Behavior - Enactus - Final

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Organizational Behavior Final Paper

Case Study :

The Dangers of Groupthink in ENACTUS NUIST

(Research to describe the causes and impacts of Groupthink in ENACTUS team in

Nanjing University of Information, Science and Technology)

Tatit Kurniasih20125216013

NANJING UNIVERSITY OF INFORMATION SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY

219 NINGLIU ROAD, NANJING, JIANGSU PROVINCEPRC 210044


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INTRODUCTION

ENACTUS is a community of student, academic and business leaders committed to

using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better more

sustainable world. ENACTUS is an abbreviation for :1. ENtrepreneurialhaving the perspective to see an opportunity and the talent to

create value from that opportunity;

2. ACTionthe willingness to do something and the commitment to see it through even

when the outcome is not guaranteed;

3. USa group of people who see themselves connected in some important way;

individuals that are part of a greater whole.

The Purpose = To enable progress through entrepreneurial action.

ENACTUS is an international non-profit organization that brings together student,

academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of

entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life and standard of living for peoplein need. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, the student leaders of

ENACTUS create and implement community empowerment projects around the

globe. The experience not only transforms lives, it helps students develop the kind of

talent and perspective that are essential to leadership in an ever-more complicated and

challenging world.1

ENACTUS Commitment

Tap into the entrepreneurial spirit.

Pledge to take action.

Work side-by-side to create opportunity. Apply passions, talents and ideas to impact as many lives as they can.

Empowered community to live up to their fullest potential.

Channel the unique talents, passions and ideas they each possess toward

creating good in the world.

ENACTUS Values

1. Imagination (Every crisis creates opportunity, every struggle offers the chance to

rediscover. Everything they do is born from the ability to see potential where others

cant).

2. Partnership (There is no greater force for change than a team of people who are

personally invested in each other, and in the lives of the people who their work isintended to serve).

3. Courage (The willingness to try, fail and learn on the journey toward creating

something new is just as critical as the passion to succeed. There is no substitute for

being willing to leadespecially when the territory being covered is new and the

outcome is uncertain).

4. Accountability (Every initiative or project they undertake will be judged by the only

measure that matters: how effectively they create lasting and meaningful progress in

the lives of those they serve).

1Sources :http://enactus.org/who-we-are/our-story/accessed on June 20, 2013.
http://enactus.org/who-we-are/our-story/http://enactus.org/who-we-are/our-story/http://enactus.org/who-we-are/our-story/http://enactus.org/who-we-are/our-story/


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5. Determination (Meaningful change is not easy. It requires the ability to overcome

seemingly insurmountable obstacles and face often daunting challenges. They have

the persistence to do what it takes to achieve the results we seek).

6. Curiosity (They are passionate about seeking new perspectives and challenging long-

standing assumptions because they know effective leadership requires continuous

learning).

ENACTUS has been working with leading corporate partners and member

universities, it establishes student programs on campuses around the world. With the

support and encouragement of their faculty advisors and a local business advisory

board, ENACTUS students apply business concepts to develop community outreach

projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need.

Until now, ENACTUS has been exist in 37 countries, including China. There are

1,600 Universities, 62,000 Students and 7,300,000 Project Volunteer Hours all over

the world.

China has 86 teams that are listed below :

Agricultural

University Of

Henan

Fuzhou

University

Hunan Agricultural

University

Northeast

Forestry

University

Southwest

University for

Nationalities

AnhuiAgricultural

University

GuangzhouUniversity of

Chinese Medicine

Hunan NormalUniversity

NorthwestUniversity

The ChineseUniversity of

Hong Kong

Beihang

University

Guangzhou

University

Hunan University Qingdao

University

The Hong Kong

Polytechnic

University

Beijing Institute

of TechnologyZhuhai Campus

Guangdong

University ofTechnology

Hunan University

of ChineseMedicine

Shaanxi

University ofScience &Technology

Tianjin Institute

of UrbanConstruction

Beijing

International

Studies University

Guangdong

University of

Finance

Jiangnan University Shandong

University of

Finance and

Economics

Tianjin Normal

University

Beijing Language

and Culture

University

Guangdong

Baiyun University

Jilin University -

Lambton College

Shandong

University of

Technology

Tianjin University

of Traditional

Chinese Medicine

Beijing Normal

University -

Zhuhai Campus

Hefei University

of Technology

Jilin University of

Finance and

Economics

Shanghai Ocean

University

University of

International

Relations

BeijingTechnology and

Business

University

Henan Universityof Technology

Liaoning University ShanghaiUniversity of

Electric Power

University ofScience and

Technology of

China

Beijing Universityof Chemical

Technology

Henan Universityof Economics and

Law

Linyi University ShanghaiUniversity of

Engineering

Science

Wuhan Universityof Technology

Capital Normal

University

Henan University Nanjing Audit

University

Sias International

University

Xi'an Jiaotong -

Liverpool

University

Chengdu

University of

InformationTechnology

Henan Normal

University

Nanjing University

Jinling College

Shengda

Economics Trade

and Management

Yanbian

University


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Chengdu

University of

Technology

Harbin University

of Science and

Technology

Nanjing University

of Finance and

Economics

Sino British

College, USST

Zhejiang

University City

College

College Of

Science&Technology

NingboUniversity

Harbin University

of CommerceNanjing

University of

Information

Science andTechnology

Soochow

University

Zhengzhou

Institute ofAeronautical

Industry

China Ji Liang

University

Hebei University

of Technology

Nanjing University

of Science and

Technology

South Central

University for

Nationalities

Zhejiang

University of

Technology

Chongqing

NormalUniversity

Hong Kong

Baptist University

Nanjing

AgriculturalUniversity

South China

AgriculturalUniversity

Zhengzhou

University

Civil Aviation

University of

China

Huazhong

Agricultural

University

Nanjing University

of Aeronautics and

Astronautics

Southeast

University

Zhengzhou

University of

Light Industry

China University

of Political

Science and Law

Huazhong Normal

University

Nanjing Normal

University

Southwestern

University of

Finance andEconomics

Zhongyuan

University of

Technology

Beijing Foreign

Studies University

China

Pharmaceutical

University

Nanjing University Shanghai Institute

of Foreign Trade

Southern Medical

University

Beijing Forestry

University

Chongqing

Technology and

Business

University

Nanjing University

of Technology

Sichuan

International

Studies University

Tianjin Foreign

Studies University

Beijing Instituteof Technology

ChongqingUniversity

Ningbo University ShantouUniversity

Tianjin University

Beijing Normal

University

Dalian University

of Foreign

Languages

Northeast

Agricultural

University

South China

University of

Technology

Tianjin

Polytechnic

University

Beijing Normal

University

East China

University of

Science and

Technology

Northeastern

University

Shanghai

University of

Finance and

Economics

Tianjin University

of Technology

University ofElectronic

Science and

Technology of

China

HarbinEngineering

University

NorthwestAgricultural and

Forestry University

ShenyangAgricultural

University

Tianjin Universityof Commerce

University of

Science and

TechnologyBeijing

Harbin Institute of

Technology

North China

Electric Power

University (Beijing)

Shanghai Gench

College

Tianjin University

of Finance and

Economics

Capital University

of Economics and

Business

Jinan University North China

Electric Power

University

(Baoding)

Heilongjiang

International

University

Tianjin University

of Science and

Technology

China Foreign

Affairs University

Guangdong

University ofForeign Studies

Nankai University Sun Yat-sen

University

Tongji University

Dalian Maritime

University

Guangdong

University of

Business Studies

Northwestern

Polytechnical

University

South China

Normal

University

Shenzhen

University

University of

InternationalBusiness and

Guangdong

PharmaceuticalUniversity

North China

University of WaterConservancy and

University of

Shanghai forScience and

Tsinghua

University


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Economics Electric Power Technology

Central South

University

Donghua

University

Peking University Shanghai

University

Xi'an Jiaotong

University

China

Agricultural

University

Huazhong

University of

Science and

Technology

Renmin University

of China

Shanghai Normal

University

Xi'an

International

Studies University

The University of

Hong Kong

Jilin University Shandong

University

Shanghai

University of

Sport

Xiamen

University

The Open

University of

Hong Kong

The Hong Kong

University of

Science and

Technology

Shanghai Finance

University

Shanghai

International

Studies University

Xidian University

Fudan University Hangzhou DianziUniversity

Hubei University ofEconomics

ShanghaiMaritime

University

Xi'an EurasiaUniversity

Dalian University

of Technology

Shanghai Dianji

University

University of

Nottingham Ningbo

Shanghai

University of

Political Scienceand Law

Zhongnan

University of

Economics andLaw

DongbeiUniversity of

Finance and

Economics

ZhejiangUniversity

SouthwestPetroleum

University

Zhejiang WanliUniversity

XiamenUniversity of

Technology

Zhejiang

Gongshang

University

Total : 86

Universities

Participation in ENACTUS provides those university students with the

opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their communities, while gaining the

experience, skills and contacts necessary to build a successful career.Looking for some benefits from joining ENACTUS, every student is able to

gain real world experience, develop their capabilities, find new network, start a great

career, represent and bring their university to a brighter future. These advantages

endorse enormous students to join ENACTUS. Since the amount of ENACTUS

member is limited, they have to pass some tests and interviews to become a member.

Nanjing University of Information, Science and Technology (NUIST) has

been one of ENACTUS teams in China since 2005. By doing a strict audition and test,

this team successfully gathered 107 diligent, creative, smart students that come from

different major and background. They have done some creative projects that are

trying to empowered people around them in Pukou, Nanjing.

Their Project are :

1. Credit Ease (Micro Finance) : They provide a micro finance for poor families to do

some business and they also teach families how to gain financial security.

2.

Turn Garbage into Gold (Organic Fertilizer) : They help aspiring farmers as

entrepreneurs achieve success by doing a new way to make an organic fertilizers and

pesticide.

3.

Sugar Painting : They bring economic development back to struggling neighborhoods

by introducing an new technology to make a sugar painting become more valuable.

4.

Yiran Studio : They develop the kind of art teamwork to make some creative products

and sell it to the target market to make some money. They use the money to give an


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art classes for free to poor children. By doing this, they can maintain their leadership

and communication skills that can only come from real life experiences.

5.

Amity Bakery : They help to equip the unemployed (mentally disabled) people with

skills to find productive employment in bakery production. They invite a famous

baker from Hong Kong to teach them how to bake a delicious cookies.

6.

New Class : They gathered some excellent student that are capable to teach the otherstudent in One CNY class. The other student doesn't need to pay more than 1 RMB.

This project helps poor student to meet a high standard of studying their courses in a

cheap cost.

7. Luoma Lake Fishpond : They helps farmers to raise their profit by making an

innovation in the way of feeding their fish. They use a minimum cost to get maximum

result.

8.

The other project that are challenged them to apply what they are learning in the

classroom to develop real programs that achieve real results for real people.

NUIST ENACTUS ACHIEVEMENTS :

a)

Become the first winner of League 6 in East China Regional Competition inShanghai (April, 2013) and get the opportunity to represent Jiangsu Province

and East China regional to compete Semifinal and Final stage in the National

Competition in Beijing (May, 2013)

b) Get 4 awards in regional scope from J. Norwell Coquilard (President of

ENACTUS China) namely : The best innovative team, Best Business Advisor,

Best Faculty Advisor and Best alumni.

c)

Get 1 awards in the National Scope as The best Micro Finance project 2013

and get a chance to win the trophy and meet Mr. J. Norwell Coquilard in the

big stage (May 16th, 2013).

d)

Passed the first competition in National Competition and get a chance to enter

Semifinal Competition in the next day (May 17th, 2013).

e) Enter the 16thbest team from 86 team all across China.

f) Get the second prize of National Competition as a consolation prize of missed

the final.

(Photos are available as a proof in the Appendix)

ENACTUS is a team-based activity (each student will be a member of a team)

that represents their university within the community and the ENACTUS network,

directly contributing to the positive reputation of their university with each success

you have. NUIST student also represent their university in competition with other

colleges and universities at the regional and national level.As they go about the process of building their team, developing projects,

making decision, finding funding, overcoming obstacles and adversity and

participating in a competition, they are vulnerable to groupthink and its causes.

Therefore, this paper will discuss the cause of groupthink in NUIST ENACTUS

through erosion of the deliberative process within this group.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

This paper is trying to answer these question :

1.

What are the symptoms of Groupthink in NUIST ENACTUS?2. What are some factors that lead to Groupthink in NUIST ENACTUS?


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3. What are the pre-condition of Groupthink in NUIST ENACTUS?

4. What are the dangers of Groupthink in NUIST ENACTUS?

5.

How to overcome Groupthink in NUIST ENACTUS?

These all question become a means to evaluate whether NUIST ENACTUS is really

making a decision by using groupthink. This decision-making environment depends

on two major factors: The information considered and the group dynamic. This paperwill explore in which decision-making processes are compromised by groupthink.

LITERATURE REVIEW

In recent studies, groupthink has been shown to compromise the integrity of

the decision-making environment, leading to sub-optimized executive decisions. They

further demonstrate that these less-than-optimal decisions, when continually made,

correlate directly to a negative performance. Leaders are responsible for making

appropriate decisions that will allow the team to move forward so they will strive for

cohesion within their team. Due to this common and universal goal of a cohesive

executive team, the executive decision-making process is highly susceptible togroupthink.

GROUPTHINK DEFINITION

Groupthink is a phenomenon that occurs when the desire for group consensus

overrides people's common sense desire to present alternatives, critique a

position, or express an unpopular opinion.2

Group-think is a condition where a cohesive groupof people come up with poorly

considered courses of action and as a result make bad choices. A unit of people

which have become afflicted with group-think are typically a group that tends to

know one another well, is cohesive, friendly with one another and tight-knit.3

Groupthink is a phenomenon that often occurs when people have worked closely

together for long periods of time. Over the course of time they develop a "like"

manner in rationalization and thinking. Unfortunately this can lead to bad

decisions because of the complacent nature that emerges in the affected group.4

Group-think is a condition that can manifest and be difficult to break. While

breaking group-think can pose some challenges, it is not impossible.5

Groupthink is an interesting phenomenon which can occur when a group of peoplegathers to make a decision. Essentially, desires for group cohesiveness and a quick

decision cloud the judgment of the peoplein the group, leading to a decision which

is less than ideal.6

2http://ww.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_82.htm2 Effective Teamwork Skills | eHow http://www.ehow.com/about_5377583_effective-teamwork-

skills.html#ixzz2VOSPJZGW

4http://www.helium.com/items/587049-understanding-the-evils-and-dangers-of-group-think5http://www.uiowa.edu/~c036011a/groupthink.htm6http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-groupthink.htm
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-groupthink.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-groupthink.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-groupthink.htm


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Groupthinkis a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, in

which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an incorrect

or deviant decision-making outcome. Group members try to minimize conflict and

reach a consensus decision without critical evaluation of alternative ideas or

viewpoints, and by isolating themselves from outside influences.7

Groupthink is a construct of social psychology, but has an extensive reach and

influences literature in the fields ofcommunication studies, political

science,management, andorganizational theory, as well as important aspects of

deviant religiouscultbehaviour.8

The term "Groupthink" was initiated by Irving Janis 9 in 1972 as the

psychological drive for consensus at any cost that suppresses disagreement and

prevents the appraisal of alternatives in cohesive decision-making groups. Groupthink

has surfaced in experiments when there were four or more people involved in a

decision-making process. Sometimes, these groups strive so hard agree that they

simply don't think of exploring alternative solutions to the issues and problems they'readdressing. Researchers have found that in larger groups, some people tend to

underperform and let others handle the bulk of the decision load.

ANALYSIS

Groupthink has been defined in a number of terms, but the recurring term

most often used is conformity. Another interesting definition of groupthink is

decision making by a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual

responsibility and is often characterized by excessive efforts to reach agreement .

While groupthink may occur in all manner of groups, it has been closely linked small

sub-groups such as project entrepreneurial team.

The principal reason for increased risk of groupthink among these groups is

the lower amount of member involved in strategic or sensitive decision-making, as

few are deemed qualified to contribute. In extreme cases, it is only the business owner

or founder who makes these critical decisions, often with very little input.

The leader (no name mentioned to keep her privacy) always think by herself.

She doesn't consider alternative way to solve problems. If she know that it is not

good, but she doesn't change it. She also doesn't change her way to communicate with

others. She always lead ENACTUS meeting that usually be held once a week, in the

Mingde Building Room 101. She usually let the Project Manager to give some report

about their project improvement. Everything is going to be all right only if she changethe language used in the meeting. Since there are 3 international students that are

exactly starting to learn chinese language (they couldn't understand what is she

talking about), what is the project member actually presenting about and they also

cant give any comment even suggestion. There is a language barrier to participate

deeper and give more contribution. This limitation makes a gap between local and

international student.

7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupthink8idem

9Janis, Irving L. (1972). Victims of Groupthink. New York: Houghton Mifflin ; Janis, IrvingL. (1982). Groupthink: Psychological Studies of Policy Decisions and Fiascoes. Second

Edition. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communication_studieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Managementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Managementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communication_studies


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In this case the leader should have a proper and wise way to gather all

members and make a better communication by using English as their communication

language in the meeting. In order to make a good use of English, they also able to

practice to speak, write and do some presentation in English. By doing such things,

they are improving some aspect that enables them to be ready for the next

competition. Despite this fact, the leader is not willing to change the main language,she doesn't hear any suggestion comes from her member. This kind of action refer to

groupthink.

1. What are the symptoms of Groupthink in NUIST ENACTUS?Answer :

Members of NUIST ENACTUS tend to experience illusions of un-amity, morality,

and invulnerability within the group, meaning that they think everyone agrees, they

are under the impression that their decisions are morally based, and they think that the

decisions made within the group are always sound. Having a cohesive group is by no

means a negative goal. Rather, it is a highly desirable characteristic for a group as itfacilitates efficient communication within group and allows for decisions to be made

quickly. Timely decision-making both saves time and provides competitive

advantage. Group members are also more likely to have positive interactions and

achieve goals when they experience a sense of "togetherness" that accompanies

cohesiveness.

There are some groupthink symptoms in ENACTUS NUIST :

1. Illusion of invulnerabilityThe leader is over confident and creates excessive

optimism that encourages taking extreme risks (by using chinese as a

communication language and using English in the competition).

2. Collective rationalization The leader just make some assumptions and

rationalize it by logical concern. Members discount warnings and do not

reconsider their assumptions.

3. Belief in inherent moralityLeader believe in the rightness of her cause and

therefore ignore the ethical or moral consequences of her decisions.

4. Stereotyped views of out-groupsNegative views of enemy make effective

responses to conflict seem unnecessary.

5. Direct pressure on dissentersThe leader and project manager dominate the

meeting and make the members feel under pressure and unable to express

arguments against any of the groups views.6. Self-censorshipDoubts and deviations from the perceived group consensus are

not expressed.

7. Illusion of unanimity The majority view and judgments are assumed to be

unanimous.

8. Self-appointed mind-guardsMembers protect the group and the leader from

information that is problematic or contradictory to the groups cohesiveness,

view, and/or decisions. (They don't want to gather a new ideas and do some

refreshment to help them thinking out of the box)

When the above symptoms exist in NUIST ENACTUS, there is a reasonable chance

that groupthink will happen. Groupthink occurs when groups are highly cohesive andwhen they are under considerable pressure to make a quality decision. When


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pressures for unanimity seem overwhelming, ENACTUS members are less motivated

to realistically appraise the alternative courses of action available to them. These

group pressures lead to carelessness and irrational thinking since groups experiencing

groupthink fail to consider all alternatives and seek to maintain unanimity. Decisions

shaped by groupthink have low probability of achieving successful outcomes.

2. What are some factors that lead to Groupthink in NUIST ENACTUS?Answer :

Janis suggested that Groupthink happens when there is10:

A strong, persuasive group leader.

A high level of group cohesion.

Intense pressure from the outside to make a good decision

Some other proof :

a) Rationalization:

When ENACTUS members convince themselves that despite evidence to thecontrary, the decision or alternative being presented is the best one. They don't

want to listen any better idea. They just feeling that they have done a right and

big job.

b) Peer Pressure:

When a team member expresses an opposing opinion or questions the

rationale behind a decision, the rest of the team members work together to

pressure or penalize that person into compliance. The leader have a big power

to make all the member shut their mouth whenever the meeting is held.

c) Complacency:

After a few successes, ENACTUS NUIST begins to feel like any decision they

make is the right one because there is no disagreement from any source. The

example is when they receive 5 achievement in the regional competition in

Shanghai, China. (see the certificates picture in the appendix). They become

over proud until they doesn't realize that they are not good enough to compete

in the national competition. They didn't choose to keep practicing but they just

keep their pride over everything.

d) Moral High Ground:

Each member of the group views him or herself as moral: The combination of

moral minds is therefore thought not to be likely to make a poor or immoral

decision. When morality is used as a basis for decision-making, the pressure to

conform is even greater because no individual wants to be perceived asimmoral.

e) Stereotyping:

As the group becomes more uniform in their views, they begin to see outsiders

as possessing a different and inferior set of morals and characteristics from

themselves. These perceived negative characteristics are then used to discredit

the opposition. Even they think that international student is having no credit to

give some alternatives. They just closed the door of democracy.

f) Censorship:Members censor their opinions in order to conform. Information that is

10http://ww.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_82.htm


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gathered is censored so that it also conforms to, or supports the chosen

decision or alternative.

g) Illusion of Unanimity:Because no one speaks out, everyone in the group feels the group's decision is

unanimous. This is what feeds the Groupthink and causes it to spiral out of

control. This also makes a meeting become unnecessary. International studentshave no more intention to join the meeting.

Groupthink is also accompanied by self-censoring, in which members of the group

stifle their opinions because they are afraid of controversy. The group often engages

in heavy stereotyping of other groups and the situation they are dealing with, and

there is often an immense pressure for conformity within the group.

3. What are the pre-condition of Groupthink in NUIST ENACTUS?Answer :

Janiss analysis demonstrates how groupthink thrives on the mentality such : the more

cohesive the group, the more likely the right decision is being made. It also relies on

the dynamics of a group. Groups that are made up of individuals who are less likely to

disagree or offend will be at a higher risk of being infected by groupthink.

Janis points out four key factors that predispose groups to groupthink, namely:

excessive cohesiveness, group isolation/insulation, leader intimidation and an absence

of decision-making procedures.

Groupthink is a mode of deliberation that leads to improper decision-making.

Groupthink undermines the power of critical thinking and deliberation. In a group

where there are a number of ideas and/or contending arguments, members are more

likely to be critical in their views and are therefore more likely to find the most

realistic solution to the problem after openly reviewing available ideas. So the pre

condition of groupthink are :

No Precondition Yes / No

1. The group is highly cohesive.

2. Individuals are fearful of offending colleagues.

3. Many individuals have become complacent within the group setting.

4. The group is isolated from contrary opinions.

5. The group is ruled by a directive leader who makes his or herwishes known.

6. The group limits its discussion to only a few alternatives.

7.The solution initially favored by most members is never restudied to

seek out less obvious pitfalls.

8.The group fails to reexamine those alternatives originally disfavored

by the majority.

9. Expert opinion is not sought.

10.The group is highly selective in gathering and attending to available

information.

11.The group is so confident in its ideas that it does not consider

contingency plans.

12. People within the group may be afraid to "rock the boat".


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NUIST ENACTUS may have a tendency to think within the box and do not take the

opportunity to explore the diverse options located on the outside of that box. The

group are inclined to ignore alternatives and react negatively to the ideas of other

people not a part of the group.

One of the hallmarks of groupthink is collective rationalization, in which themembers of the group rationalize thoughts or decisions in flawed ways. This

rationalization is often supported by so-called mind-guards, who prevent

contradictory information from entering the group discussion. As the members of the

group work with incomplete information, high pressure, and a desire to conform, they

come up with an idea which may not be balanced and well considered, like the

decision to invade another country on the basis of flimsy evidence.

4. What are the dangers of Groupthink in NUIST ENACTUS?Answer :

Groupthink eliminates internal thought competition. It presents one argument and

excludes all other options. The question is why it is so dangerous and why shouldgroupthink be identified and avoided when making business decisions?

Groupthink is very dangerous because human tends to hang on to their old friends and

beliefs and hang out with people with similar worldviews as their own. Even though

fraternizing with like-minded people makes us feel good because it reinforces what

they already believe in, it also makes they fall into a "groupthink" trap.

The dangers if NUIST ENACTUS was fall into the groupthink trap are :

a) Groupthink makes them feel over-proud of past achievement and arrogant.

b) Groupthink makes them feel strong enough, unbeatable and don't want to struggle

more.

c)

Groupthink makes them thinking in the box, close their mind to another

possibilities, so they are not creative and tend to work individually.

d) Groupthink makes them lose their chance to improve their capabilities.

e) Groupthink stops them from seeing their faults and shortcomings because their

views are always reconfirmed by their group, so they aren't always compelled to

change them.

f) Groupthink makes every member stranded agree with each other to maintain the

status quo. The mode of thinking that people engage in when the members'

striving for unanimity override their motivation to realistically appraise

alternative courses of action.

g)

Groupthink makes every member tend to underperform and let others handle thebulk of the decision load.

h)

Groupthink can hit team member where they live and study, they can overvalues

internal agreement and become more unrealistic.

i) Groupthink has been found detrimental to organizations management, for

example and when organizations pressure dissenters so that they won't speak out

or rock the boat, they're likely stuck in groupthink that could prove damaging.

j)

Groupthink can make the dissenters and members who have diverse viewpoints

quieting and presenting an illusion of agreement.11

k) Groupthink has serious ramifications for government, business, academia,

neighborhood, family and the ministry.

11http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/groupthink-decision-making-effect


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l) Groupthink may be one of the reason why they was lose in the national

competition.

5. How to overcome Groupthink in NUIST ENACTUS?

Answer :However, if Groupthink does set in, it's important to recognize and acknowledge it

quickly, so that teams can overcome it and quickly get back to functioning effectively.

These are steps to overcome it :

1. Even with good group decision-making processes in place, be on the look out for

signs of Groupthink, so you can deal with them swiftly.

2.

If there are signs of Groupthink, discuss these in the group. Once acknowledged,

the group as a whole can consciously free up its decision making.

3. Assess the immediate risks of any decision, and the consequences for the group

and its customers. If risks are high (for example risk of personal safety), make

sure you take steps to fully validate any decision before it is ratified.4. If appropriate, seek external validation, get more information from outside, and

test assumptions. Use the bullets above as a starting point in diagnosing things

that needs to change.

5. Introduce formal group techniques and decision-making tools, such as the ones

listed above, to avoid Groupthink in the future.

Decision experts have determined that groupthink may be prevented before it happens

by adopting some of the following measures:

1)

The leader should assign the role of critical evaluator to each member.

2)

The leader should avoid stating preferences and expectations at the outset.

3) The leader should make sure that a sizeable block of time is set aside to survey

warning signals from rivals; leader and group construct alternative scenarios of

rivals' intentions.

4)

Each member of the group should routinely discuss the groups' deliberations

with a trusted associate and report back to the group on the associate's reactions

Encourage everyone to be a critical evaluator by fulfilling these term :

a) Do not have the leader state a preference up front

b) Set up independent groups

c)

Divide into subgroups

d)

Discuss what is happening with others outside the groupe) Invite others into the group to bring fresh ideas.

5)

One or more experts/teachers/lecturers should be invited to each meeting on a

staggered basis. The outside experts should be encouraged to challenge views

of the members.

6)

At least one articulate and knowledgeable member should be given the role of

devil's advocate (to question assumptions and plans)

7)

The group must start out with no clear expectations and desires. They have to

keep struggling no matter how brave/proud/strong they are.

8) The group dissenting opinions must be encouraged and members should think

critically and unbiased to the point of asking individual members of the group to

argue against ideas as they are presented.


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9) The group must be break up into smaller group (sub-group) which come back to

the main group with their ideas.

10)

The group should be humble, positive thinking but keep down to earth in the

hopes of stimulating more discussion and creative ideas.

11)The group must be open to any suggestion wherever it comes to make a better

decision, such as to change the main language of weekly meeting.12)In a situation where discussing decisions with people outside the group is

feasible, people are encouraged to talk with people not in the group, to see

whether their ideas will hold up in the outside world. In group setting situations,

the group should appoint an outside person to challenge the group into

considering diversity in mind-set.

13)Appoint a member to play devil's advocate to help steer the group into exploring

alternative ideas.

14)Promote willingness to express doubts in the decision making process.

15)The organization should set up independent evaluation groups.

Groupthink has surfaced in experiments when there were four or more people

involved in a decision-making process. Sometimes, these groups strive so hardagree that they simply don't think of exploring alternative solutions to the issues

and problems they're addressing.

Conclusion & RecommendationLoyalty to the group requires individuals to avoid raising controversial issues

or alternative solutions, and there is loss of individual creativity, uniqueness and

independent thinking. NUIST ENACTUS already makes a good projects and it will

not bring any impact to the community if groupthink is still exist in their mind. They

should change their mind, way of thinking and way to manage their ideas. There areso many teams that already recognize their faults and turned their way to the right

one.

NUIST ENACTUS got 5 awards and won the first prize in the League 6 East

China Regional Competition in Shanghai in May 2013, then they become the

representative of Jiangsu Province to compete in National Competition. By GODs

grace, they also get a place to enter the semifinal round in ENACTUS China National

Competition in Beijing. These all are a good achievement they have been made, but it

is not sufficient enough to make them feel they are the best one. They should

maximize their strength and opportunity in the same time, they also have to examine

their weaknesses and threats to achieve their goals.

Groupthink became one of their weaknesses and they should eliminate it bydoing some step to overcome it. The challenge for any team or group leader is to

create a working environment in which Groupthink is unlikely to happen. In any

organizational type setting it is important to recognize the signs of groupthink and

make an effort to diversify the team.

To avoid Groupthink, when it really exist in NUIST ENACTUS, it is

important to have a process in place for checking the fundamental assumptions behind

important decisions, for validating the decision-making process, and for evaluating

the risks involved. For significant decisions, make sure they do these following in

their decision-making process:

Explores objectives.

Explores alternatives. Encourages ideas to be challenged without reprisal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loyaltyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loyalty


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Examines the risks if the preferred choice is chosen.

Tests assumptions.

If necessary, goes back and re-examines initial alternatives that were rejected.

Gathers relevant information from outside sources.

Processes this information objectively.

Has at least one contingency plan.By doing all following processes, NUIST ENACTUS may become a solid and unified

as a humble team.


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APPENDIX : PHOTOGRAPH OF NUIST ENACTUS

NUIST ENACTUS in East China Regional Competition in Shanghai (April 2013)


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Photograph of NUIST ENACTUS in China National Competition in Beijing, May

2013


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References

Janis, Irving L. (1972). Victims of Groupthink. New York: Houghton

Mifflin.

Janis, Irving L. (1982). Groupthink: Psychological Studies of Policy

Decisions and Fiascoes. Second Edition. New York: Houghton Mifflin.Hart, P. (1994). Government: A study of small groups and policy failure.

Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press

Website :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupthink

http://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.php?term=Groupthink#ixzz2UmiBWSo

m

http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=4405

http://www.helium.com/items/1916915-understanding-the-evils-and-dangers-of-

group-think http://www.utwente.nl/cw/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20Clusters/Organizational%20

Communication/groupthink.doc/

Effective Teamwork Skills/eHowhttp://www.ehow.com/ about_5377583_effective-

teamwork-skills.html#ixzz2VOSPJZGW

Irving Janis, Groupthink, 2d ed., Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1982.

Irving Janis, Victims of Groupthink, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1972.

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_82.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-groupthink.htm

http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/groupthink-decision-making-effect
http://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.php?term=Groupthink#ixzz2UmiBWSomhttp://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.php?term=Groupthink#ixzz2UmiBWSomhttp://www.helium.com/items/1916915-understanding-the-evils-and-dangers-of-group-thinkhttp://www.helium.com/items/1916915-understanding-the-evils-and-dangers-of-group-thinkhttp://www.helium.com/items/1916915-understanding-the-evils-and-dangers-of-group-thinkhttp://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_82.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-groupthink.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-groupthink.htmhttp://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_82.htmhttp://www.helium.com/items/1916915-understanding-the-evils-and-dangers-of-group-thinkhttp://www.helium.com/items/1916915-understanding-the-evils-and-dangers-of-group-thinkhttp://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.php?term=Groupthink#ixzz2UmiBWSomhttp://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.php?term=Groupthink#ixzz2UmiBWSom

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