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Theoretical Perspectives on Groupthink: A Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Appraisal
ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR AND HUMAN DECISION PROCESSES
Vol. 73, Nos. 2/3, February/March, pp. 103–104, 1998 ARTICLE NO. OB982768
Guest Editors’ Introduction Theoretical Perspectives on Groupthink: A Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Appraisal Marlene E. Turner San Jose State University
and Anthony R. Pratkanis University of California, Santa Cruz
Since its appearance in 1972, the concept of groupthink has been one of the most pervasive and fascinating models in the behavioral sciences. Its appeal is evidenced by the ease with which it has been applied to a breathtaking array of disciplines including social psychology, management, political science, communications, and computer science. Yet, research on groupthink has provided only equivocal support for the full model. As a result, researchers have developed theoretical perspectives that range from minor modifications to fullscale revisions to complete rejection of the theory. A number of those contributions have occurred relatively independently. This special issue marking the 25th anniversary of groupthink is designed to accomplish the goal of bringing together these diverse, wide-ranging contributions. In doing so, we hope that it summarizes what we know (and don’t know) about groupthink, places theoretical and empirical developments regarding the model in historical perspective, and stimulates further research and conceptualization regarding the nature of groupthink, its antecedents, and its consequences. In preparing this special issue, we asked authors to focus on questions such as “What is groupthink?” and “What is its status after 25 years?”. The answers to these questions take a variety of forms including conceptual reviews of the research, new theoretical perspectives, new empirical data in support of conceptual approaches, new applications and extensions of the concept, and reviews documenting the strengths and weaknesses of the concept. Irving Janis (1918–1990), the originator of the groupthink model, was a major, early contributor to mainstream social psychological research, especially in the areas of propaganda analysis, group morale in the military, attitude 103
0749-5978/98 $25.00 Copyright q 1998 by Academic Press All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.
104
GUEST EDITORS’ INTRODUCTION
change, persuasion, and decision-making. Janis’s original formulation of the model was firmly grounded in the group dynamics tradition. The conceptualization of the antecedent or predictor variables and their hypothesized consequences relied heavily on established empirical effects that were generally wellknown in the contemporary literature. Moreover, the model also represented an extension of Janis’s prior work on the effects of stress on decision-making processes of groups and individuals. Irving Janis was always interested in the practical significance of research, whether it be understanding the effects of fascist propaganda, enhancing military morale during World War II, improving the effectiveness of clinical interventions, or writing a practical guide for decision-making. Along these lines, the uniqueness of the groupthink model was the ambitious effort to develop a wide-ranging perspective capable of explaining fundamental group decision fiascoes of monumental importance. It also typified the best of the Lewinian tradition, representing as it did the effort to fully integrate theoretical rigor in service of improving the practice of group decision-making. Thus, in many ways, the model was remarkable in that it attempted to advance cutting-edge thinking while still acknowledging the rich tradition of group dynamics research. Likewise, the papers in this special issue reflect that dual time perspective. They acknowledge the historical traditions of the groupthink model. Yet, they also incorporate recent developments in group, social psychological, and organizational research as they extend the theoretical and practical bases of the groupthink model. We hope that these papers mark the beginning of the next twenty-five years of groupthink research that will remain well-grounded in the rich historical traditions of group dynamics research but firmly oriented toward the future in the effort to refine our knowledge of critical group decisions.
Vol. 73, Nos. 2/3, February/March, pp. 103–104, 1998 ARTICLE NO. OB982768
Guest Editors’ Introduction Theoretical Perspectives on Groupthink: A Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Appraisal Marlene E. Turner San Jose State University
and Anthony R. Pratkanis University of California, Santa Cruz
Since its appearance in 1972, the concept of groupthink has been one of the most pervasive and fascinating models in the behavioral sciences. Its appeal is evidenced by the ease with which it has been applied to a breathtaking array of disciplines including social psychology, management, political science, communications, and computer science. Yet, research on groupthink has provided only equivocal support for the full model. As a result, researchers have developed theoretical perspectives that range from minor modifications to fullscale revisions to complete rejection of the theory. A number of those contributions have occurred relatively independently. This special issue marking the 25th anniversary of groupthink is designed to accomplish the goal of bringing together these diverse, wide-ranging contributions. In doing so, we hope that it summarizes what we know (and don’t know) about groupthink, places theoretical and empirical developments regarding the model in historical perspective, and stimulates further research and conceptualization regarding the nature of groupthink, its antecedents, and its consequences. In preparing this special issue, we asked authors to focus on questions such as “What is groupthink?” and “What is its status after 25 years?”. The answers to these questions take a variety of forms including conceptual reviews of the research, new theoretical perspectives, new empirical data in support of conceptual approaches, new applications and extensions of the concept, and reviews documenting the strengths and weaknesses of the concept. Irving Janis (1918–1990), the originator of the groupthink model, was a major, early contributor to mainstream social psychological research, especially in the areas of propaganda analysis, group morale in the military, attitude 103
0749-5978/98 $25.00 Copyright q 1998 by Academic Press All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.
104
GUEST EDITORS’ INTRODUCTION
change, persuasion, and decision-making. Janis’s original formulation of the model was firmly grounded in the group dynamics tradition. The conceptualization of the antecedent or predictor variables and their hypothesized consequences relied heavily on established empirical effects that were generally wellknown in the contemporary literature. Moreover, the model also represented an extension of Janis’s prior work on the effects of stress on decision-making processes of groups and individuals. Irving Janis was always interested in the practical significance of research, whether it be understanding the effects of fascist propaganda, enhancing military morale during World War II, improving the effectiveness of clinical interventions, or writing a practical guide for decision-making. Along these lines, the uniqueness of the groupthink model was the ambitious effort to develop a wide-ranging perspective capable of explaining fundamental group decision fiascoes of monumental importance. It also typified the best of the Lewinian tradition, representing as it did the effort to fully integrate theoretical rigor in service of improving the practice of group decision-making. Thus, in many ways, the model was remarkable in that it attempted to advance cutting-edge thinking while still acknowledging the rich tradition of group dynamics research. Likewise, the papers in this special issue reflect that dual time perspective. They acknowledge the historical traditions of the groupthink model. Yet, they also incorporate recent developments in group, social psychological, and organizational research as they extend the theoretical and practical bases of the groupthink model. We hope that these papers mark the beginning of the next twenty-five years of groupthink research that will remain well-grounded in the rich historical traditions of group dynamics research but firmly oriented toward the future in the effort to refine our knowledge of critical group decisions.