9990 · 4.3.1
Group development and decision-making flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9990 Group development and decision-making (syllabus 4.3.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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Tuckman's four stages?
Forming (orientation), storming (conflict), norming (rules/cohesion), performing (effective teamwork) — later added adjourning.
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Storming stage?
Personality clashes and power struggles emerge — teams must resolve conflict before productive norms form.
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Janis's groupthink?
Cohesive groups suppress dissent to maintain harmony — leads to poor, risky decisions without full appraisal.
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Three symptoms of groupthink?
Illusion of invulnerability, collective rationalisation, pressure on dissenters — among Janis's full list.
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Group decision advantage?
More information, diverse perspectives, better acceptance of final decision.
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Preventing groupthink?
Devil's advocate, anonymous input, leader withholds early opinion, seek external opinions.
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Tuckman's 'Storming' Stage
The second stage of group development, characterised by intra-group conflict, disagreements over roles and procedures, and challenges to leadership. It is a critical phase for resolving differences.
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Groupthink (Janis, 1972)
A psychological phenomenon where the desire for group consensus and harmony overrides a realistic appraisal of alternatives, leading to poor decision-making.
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Antecedents of Groupthink
The conditions that make groupthink more likely: high group cohesiveness, insulation from outside opinions, and a directive, partial leader.
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'Mindguards'
A symptom of groupthink where certain members protect the group from adverse information that might shatter their shared complacency or challenge the consensus.
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Delphi Technique
A structured decision-making method using anonymous, iterative questionnaires sent to a panel of experts to reach a forecast or consensus without face-to-face meetings.
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Adjourning Stage
The fifth and final stage of Tuckman's model, where the group completes its task and disbands. It can be a time of celebration for accomplishments or sadness over the loss of group relationships.
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Devil's Advocate
A technique to prevent groupthink where a group member is formally assigned the role of challenging the majority position and questioning assumptions to ensure all alternatives are explored.
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Illusion of Invulnerability
A key symptom of groupthink where the group develops excessive optimism and is willing to take extraordinary risks, believing they cannot fail.
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Norming Stage
The third stage in Tuckman's model. Conflict is resolved, and group unity and cohesion emerge. Members agree on roles, rules, and procedures, allowing them to focus on the task.