| This study examined the effect of different levels of group insulation, leadership, and information availability on decision quality and groupthink symptoms. Each group was asked to rate three potential candidates for a position as a professor at Lamar University based upon characteristics that each candidate possessed. Each participant was then asked to complete a post-experimental questionnaire measuring groupthink symptoms as well as a manipulation check questionnaire. Results indicated that information availability, leadership style, and group insulation helped to increase decision quality as well as reduce three of the eight groupthink symptoms: illusion of invulnerability, belief in the inherent morality of the group and direct pressure on dissenters while increasing the symptom of self-censorship. Explanations of the findings are discussed and limitations of the study were explored. |
