Janis (1972) used archives to compare several American foreign policy decisions that had unfavourable outcomes. He uncovered a mode of committee thinking in which the desire to reach unanimous agreement was at the expense of rational decision. He called this:

A) the illusion of group effectivity.
B) groupthink.
C) deindividuation.
D) the group mind.

Groupthink

An occurrence within groups where the suppression of dissenting viewpoints and the pressure to conform lead to a decrease in critical evaluation of decisions.

Rational Decision

The process of making choices based on logical reasoning, often involving weighing the benefits and drawbacks of different options.

Committee Thinking

The process and dynamics of decision-making within a group or committee, often highlighting the influence of group consensus.