… or so they say. The theory of groupthink, is very intriguing that it introduces the idea of unanimity over individuality. All I can say is that this is very true. People want to do what others want to do and who can blame them? Unity means that there will be less conflict between ideas and therefore less conflict between individuals. This can also mean that work can be achieved in a shorter span of time. However, would it maximize quality as in the case wherein individual ideas be pooled together to form a better idea?
Yes, groupthink would result in more peaceful and speedier manners of work, but what of the individual ideas? Thinking as one would only result to one goal and apply only one idea out of the many possible ideas each individual in a group could come up with. We should respect each other’s ideas and criticize if necessary. In this way higher quality outputs can be achieved because of the variety that will be achieved. There would be more color in the work put as each individual’s ideas will be from their own originality and likeness.
Groupthink reminds me a lot of a hive mind. A hive mind is a collective consciousness where there is no individuality. Everything or everyone thinks the same as if there is really only one mind that controls them all. A hive mind reminds me of the popular video game Star Craft wherein one the races there actually have a hive mind. The race is called Zerg. They are very primitive whose only goal is to spread and destroy anything not Zerg. They always attack swiftly and in swarms or most commonly known as a Zerg rush to catch opponents of guard and outnumbered. Picture depicting a Zerg rush.Can't see the picture clearly? Here is a link of actual gameplay footage of a Zerg Rush: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfl279o_Cko
Groupthink can be a good or a bad thing depending on the situation. When pressed on time this could be a good thing, but when quality is a must individuality is called upon and pooled together to form variety and color. :)
I agree that groupthink can be good or bad based on the situation. If you really have a short time to do something, it is best to just agree with an idea instantly for you to be able to make the best possible situation out of the idea. But if quality is more important, then you better contradict or give out your say/opinion about the topic. Goodjob Jo. Keep it up! <3
ReplyDeleteThe one who commented above does not know zilch about Starcraft tsk tsk.
ReplyDeleteNever thought of the hivemind being the "group" hahahaha.
Groupthink plainly is a double edged sword. Even you said that you can sacrifice speed for quality or quality for speed by either succumbing to GroupThink or resisting it. It all depends on your view I guess.
Here is my personal opinion though. I think it is better to "micro" rather than to just "zerg" it. If you get what side of groupthink I'm on, kudos to you! :D