Beyond fiasco: a reappraisal of the groupthink phenomenon and a new model of group decision processes

Provides a comprehensive evaluation of the groupthink phenomenon (I. L. Janis; 1971, 1972, 1982). The evaluation indicates that research does not provide convincing support for the validity of the groupthink phenomenon or for the suggestion that groupthink characteristics lead to negative outcomes. This review, coupled with evidence from other literature suggested by a problem-solving perspective and a direct examination of groupthink implicit assumptions, guided the development of a new, more general model termed the general group problem-solving model. This model incorporates a variety of antecedent conditions, emergent group characteristics, decision process characteristics, and group decision outcomes. Following the review and model development, potential concerns relating to the model are discussed, the allure of groupthink is addressed, and implications of the analysis for group problem solving as well as directions for future research are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)