What is a common outcome of groupthink in decision-making scenarios?

In decision-making scenarios, groupthink typically leads to impaired judgment, which occurs when the desire for harmony or conformity within the group results in a dysfunctional decision-making process. When group members prioritize consensus over critical evaluation, they may overlook alternative viewpoints, fail to scrutinize ideas thoroughly, and ignore relevant information. This can ultimately lead to poor decisions because critical thinking is sacrificed in favor of maintaining group cohesion.

Impaired judgment is characterized by a lack of critical analysis, resulting in decisions that may not fully consider the implications or potential outcomes. Thus, it is important for groups to foster an environment where dissenting opinions can be expressed and critically evaluated to avoid the pitfalls of groupthink. This dynamic explains why the outcome of impaired judgment is commonly associated with groupthink, differentiating it from alternatives like enhanced creativity or increased diversity of opinions, both of which are typically stifled in such scenarios.