ABSTRACT
The power of a group is defined and shaped by the collective beliefs held by its members. This shared view on the collective efficacy of the group has been found to be a significant predictor of performance and success. In groupthink situations leaders may appear to rely on the support of safety experts. Groupthink can manifest as subtle actions like persuasion or apparent rationalization by the majority, to more direct forms such as public ridicule or torment. No matter the format, groupthink essentially acts as a psychological bulldozer to clear the way of anyone with an opposing view who dares stand up and block consensus. Group polarization around matters of safety can manifest as a tangible response of 'risk immunity', that feeling of corporate invincibility, with phrases like 'it never happened to us before so we'll probably be fine in the future'. Group goal setting is a tool that can really help to avoid the risks of groupthink and polarization.
