What is the main characteristic of groupthink?

Groupthink is primarily characterized by the pursuit of harmony in a decision-making process, which can lead to irrational outcomes. When a group prioritizes consensus and cohesiveness over critical thinking and a thorough evaluation of alternatives, it can suppress dissenting views and critical perspectives. This overemphasis on agreement can result in poor decisions, as the group may overlook important information, fail to consider alternative strategies, and ignore potential risks.

In contrast, promoting diverse opinions, utilizing independent critical thinking, and encouraging conflict are approaches that tend to foster better decision-making and creativity by ensuring a range of perspectives and ideas are evaluated. These alternatives are generally seen as strategies that counteract the negative effects of groupthink. Thus, the defining feature of groupthink lies in its detrimental effect on rational decision-making due to an excessive drive for group harmony.