Which term describes the tendency of cohesive groups to avoid thorough analysis?

The term that describes the tendency of cohesive groups to avoid thorough analysis is groupthink. This concept refers to a psychological phenomenon that occurs within groups when the desire for harmony or conformity results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. Members of a cohesive group may suppress dissenting viewpoints, fail to critically analyze alternatives, or prioritize consensus over the quality of decisions. This often leads to a situation where potential issues or better options are overlooked because the group is overly focused on maintaining unity and agreement.

Groupthink typically emerges in cohesive teams that are insulated from outside opinions and pressure, causing a detrimental lack of critical thinking. It is important for groups to recognize this tendency and actively encourage diverse opinions and critical debate to avoid the pitfalls of groupthink.