GroupThink occurs when team members:

GroupThink is a psychological phenomenon that takes place within a group of people, where the desire for harmony or conformity results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. When team members secretly disagree but feel pressured to support a decision, it leads to a lack of critical reasoning and suppression of dissenting viewpoints. This behavior is characteristic of GroupThink, as individuals may withhold their true opinions, fearing repercussions or a breakdown in group cohesion.

The dynamics of GroupThink undermine the quality of decisions made because the group doesn’t fully explore alternatives or consider different perspectives. Instead of debating and discussing various viewpoints openly, members may prioritize consensus over critical analysis, resulting in poor choices or unexamined assumptions. This reflects a lack of encouragement for dissenting opinions, which is essential for thorough decision-making and problem-solving.

In contrast, open disagreement would contradict the essence of GroupThink; individuals articulating differing views is essential for healthy deliberation. Frequently changing opinions would suggest a lack of commitment to any one idea rather than the conformity characteristic of GroupThink. Finally, working independently without collaboration implies a solitary approach, which does not embody the communal dynamic of GroupThink. Understanding these nuances clarifies why the correct answer is that team members secretly disagree but support a decision.