What aspect does groupthink negatively affect in decision making?

Groupthink negatively affects the quality of solutions generated by a group because it creates an environment where consensus is prioritized over critical evaluation of ideas. When members of a group strive for harmony, they may suppress dissenting opinions and overlook alternative viewpoints that could contribute to more robust and creative solutions. This pressure to conform can lead to poor decision-making since the group may settle for ideas that are more agreeable rather than pursuing the best or most effective solutions.

In contrast, while groupthink can also impact the speed of decision-making and the number of alternatives considered, the primary concern is that it hinders the thorough analysis and exploration necessary for quality outcomes. Furthermore, although clarity of group objectives can be affected by groupthink, the most significant detriment lies in the inability to critically assess and improve the options available, thereby directly compromising the quality of solutions.