The Danger of Group Think In Decision Making

Sometimes I wonder how people can willingly engage in illegal and corrupt activities without thinking about the moral rights and wrongs of their activities. We see this in business and in social settings where a "culture of corruption" that leads people down very dark paths. It is hard for people to think about their choices when the people around them confirm the "truths" of a situation. 

I suspect that human nature is to follow. We are herd animals, not very different from our cousins, that take our cues from others. Such herds are likely led by more dominant members that set the tone for everyone. If they are willing to engage in such activities it is likely that others will follow. 

One study states the dangers of group think and how it can cultivate homogenous behaviors, "...groupthink foster criminal activity by cultivating homogeneous behavior, conformity, resemblance, shared values and identical ways of thinking across and within firms. This herd behavior can be regarded as one of the explanations for the pervasiveness of criminal and unethical behavior in the corporate world, the consequences of which could be devastating." (See Criminogenic Isomorphism and Groupthink)

Each group develops their own symbols and values that helps them identify and navigate their environment. If the expectation is to engage in illegal activities most people will succumb to internal pressures that lead them to engage in behaviors that are not appropriate. 

Likely, as group members are similar in characteristics, background, and beliefs they are also likely to feel pressures to "conform" to poor values. Its very hard for people from homogenous backgrounds to see the perspectives of others and in turn are limited in their capacity to step out of herd mentality. 

Herd "group think" can be dangerous because at the very top it can impact options (i.e. Cuban Missile Crisis, Enron, Hate Groups) and choices based on pushing very specific ways of doing things. People don't know there was an issue until after the problem has occurred because entire groups begin to conform and confirm a group oriented message without getting "out of the box".

In business I think it is wise to find people who can work with others but at the same time can bring forward differences of opinion in a helpful way. That would mean creating cultures that have this healthy balance of the ability to work and think along similar lines but also break that mold when it is necessary. Healthy and empowered employees have options that herd "followers" do not.