GROUP-DYNAMICS IN JANISS THEORY OF GROUPTHINK - BACKWARD AND FORWARD

Janis's groupthink theory is an appealing explanation of how group pro cess can get in the way of optimal decision making. Unfortunately Jani s was selective and not always consistent in his application of resear ch in group dynamics. This paper traces groupthink to its theoretical roots in order to suggest how a broader and more consistent use of res earch in group dynamics can advance understanding of decision-making p roblems. In particular, the paper explores and reinterprets the groupt hink prediction that poor decision making is most likely when group co hesion is based on the personal attractiveness of group members. (C) 1 998 Academic Press.