Groupthink occurs when a group of well-intentioned people make irrational or non-optimal decisions that are spurred by the urge to conform or the discouragement of dissent. This problematic or premature consensus may be fueled by a particular agenda or simply because group members value harmony and coherence above rational thinking. In a groupthink situation, group members refrain from expressing doubts and judgments or disagreeing with the consensus. In the interest of making a decision that furthers their group cause, members may ignore any ethical or moral consequences. Risky or disastrous military maneuvers, such as the escalation of the Vietnam war or the invasion of Iraq are commonly cited as instances of groupthink. The term was first introduced in the November 1971 issue of Psychology Today, in an...