Which of the following best defines "groupthink"?

"Groupthink" is best defined as a situation where group consensus suppresses dissent. This phenomenon often occurs in cohesive groups where the desire for harmony or conformity leads to poor decision-making. In an environment characterized by groupthink, individuals may refrain from expressing differing opinions or challenging the dominant viewpoint, fearing rejection or conflict. This can result in a lack of critical evaluation of alternatives and a failure to consider various perspectives, which ultimately undermines the quality of the decisions made by the group.

In contrast, the other definitions do not accurately depict the nature of groupthink. While encouraging individual opinions or structured dialogue can lead to better decision-making, those concepts promote diversity of thought rather than suppress dissent. Groupthink specifically highlights the downside of consensus-seeking behavior, where the group's primary goal becomes maintaining agreement, thus stifacing individual contributions and critical discussion. Understanding this concept is crucial in various team settings to foster an environment where all members feel safe to share their thoughts, leading to more effective and well-rounded decision-making.