Graduation Term

2015

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

School of Communication

Committee Chair

Kevin R. Meyer

Abstract

Individuals in any organization will often find themselves working in groups, either by force, necessity, or through volunteering. Group work is something everyone must do, and learning how to make the best of every situation and group opportunity can be the difference between a positive or negative experience. This study explores the communication within decision-making groups where a poor outcome or decision occurred. By examining the concept of groupthink, we can enhance our understanding of the factors influencing the group decision-making process and how communication can benefit organizations. This specific study expands the current body of knowledge on groupthink by developing an instrument to effectively measure a group's tendency toward groupthink; a type of faulty decision-making. It examines the relationship between the concept of groupthink and the variables of highly cohesive groups, promotional leadership, conformity, concurrence seeking, anxiety, collective efficacy, hidden profiles, and trust, in an attempt to develop a scale to access a group's propensity to commit groupthink. 

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2015.Baptist.R

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