Using the eight dynamics provided, discuss what dynamics may have come into play that almost caused a major disaster in New York.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHh1rynVAYw

1. Groupthink was published in 1972 by Irving Janis. It is attempt to identify the eight dynamics that happen in a group when “psychological Safe” environment does not exist. I refer to Groupthink as insidious because it is not recognized when active in a group discussion. Only after does the group start to identify it after things had gone wrong. I have identified 4 major events that have been attributed to groupthink, The Bay of Pigs invasion (Which was the impetus for Irving Janus), The Challenger Disaster, the Columbia Disaster, and Pearl Harbor. I have included videos on the Challenger Disaster and the Citigroup Disaster. There is a discussion board for both videos.

. Identify and explain a groupthink dynamic that affected the launch to disaster.

2. video link Challenger The Untold Story : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9LSerNokJk
This NASA disaster is used to discuss the problems that Group Think can cause within a team when team members give up their right to argue over the facts rather than succumb to pressures to show results.

In 1986 the Challenger blew up 73 seconds into the mission. This is a classic example of the groupthink dynamic inserting itself into the collaboration process. The disaster was horrendous for the astronauts, NASA, and the country. What was even worse is the engineers new what would happen a year earlier if the minimum safety floor for launch was violated. And they talked themselves into it because no one stood up and said, “NO.” Identify and give a example of groupthink happening in the process.

3. 12 Angry Men video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_Kr64lK5qg

This is a classic movie from 1957. It tells of a story of 12 men physically confined in a toxic hostile room who must decide the fate of a young man. When teams are created to solve problems, one must be aware of not only the ppersonalities in the room, but also the environment. According to Kurt Lewin, these two factors are major iinfluences of behavior. You may wish to read the assignment first, then take notes as you watch the movie. As team members, you must collaborate to write a concise paper on group think and give examples of the situation or behavior that causes the jury members to stay off track.

Use the attached document on Avoiding Groupthink and the video of The Five Dysfunctions if a Team to discuss the questions provided for the discussion board.

Show/discuss examples of groupthink and 5 dysfunctions of a team.

Key characters/situations I am most interested.

1. The initial vote of the jury.

2. The agenda of the juror who has a messenger service?

3. The agenda of the baseball fan?

4. What was the stockbrokers problem?

5. Why was the senior citizen willing to sit and listen to arguments?

4 Barbarians At The Gate: Premier Laboratory Scene video link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4EGXSuFuIw

This is a dramatization of an actual business event that happen in the mid to late 80s. Please identify one groupthink or a team dysfunction that caused an escalating commitment for RJ Reynolds.

Summary of events:

Cigarette smoke is a health concern

Consumers wanted a smokeless cigarette

Scientists working in Japan on Premier project came up with a phrase for the cigarette, “It tastes like shit.”

The Surgeon General calls it a nicotine delivery system.

It went to market in October 1988 and was off the market by December 1988.

RJR spent $1 billion on development.

One statement to concentrate on: What is the market size in a percent that the researcher states about people who like Premier and the the marketing VP response? How close are the numbers?

Category: Essays