Looking for groupthink

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the reasons why small groups may make effective or ineffective decisions. This research combined two related studies to examine both the effects of group cohesion on small group decision quality and the groupthihk phenomenon effect on small groups. A qualitative approach was used in examining the data. The attempt to create cohesion among group members proved highly successful, and as a result many of the problems that are often associated with cohesive groups appeared. The results of this study lend support to Hirokawa and Pace's theory that group decision-making quality is dependent upon key aspects of interaction between group members. Furthermore, the propositions that proved true continue the research into Janis' theory of groupthink. Overall this study offers further insight into the reasons why small groups make effective or ineffective decisions.