ABSTRACT

This chapter begins Part 2, Working with Others, and covers group and organizational factors that influence critical thinking and making decisions under uncertainty. Unfortunately, groups do not always harness the collective intellect and creativity of the individual members, and there is much more than group think that can get in the way. This chapter covers the characteristics of dysfunctional teams that can hinder critical thinking and decision-making, and discusses what can be done to foster highly functional groups that do harness the collective abilities of its members. This chapter also covers the characteristics of entire organizations that provide the environment which can also influence group dynamics. The chapter includes practical tips on how to help groups function more effectively to enhance critical thinking and decision-making, and includes real-world examples from the author's career.