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ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Individual and group behaviour in business organisations

Which of the following is the most effective step to reduce the risk of groupthink in a management committee?

Appointing a devil's advocate is the most effective step. This role legitimately challenges the preferred option and encourages critical evaluation of alternatives. The other choices increase conformity, insularity or pressure for speed, which make groupthink more likely rather than reducing it.

  1. AAppoint a devil's advocate to challenge the preferred optionCorrect
  2. BReplace all members with people who share the chair's views
  3. CRequire decisions to be made unanimously and quickly
  4. DPrevent outsiders from giving opinions to protect confidentiality

Explanation

A devil's advocate forces critical evaluation of the favoured option and legitimises dissent. The other options increase conformity, insularity or time pressure, all of which encourage groupthink.

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