International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Practice Exam

What do we call a decision-making process where everyone conforms to a single viewpoint without critical evaluation?

1. Consensus decision-making

2. Groupthink

3. Unethical decision-making

4. Collective rationalization

The correct answer is: Groupthink

The decision-making process in which everyone conforms to a single viewpoint without critical evaluation is known as groupthink. This phenomenon occurs when the desire for harmony or conformity within a group leads to an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. The group's members suppress dissenting viewpoints, overlook alternatives, and fail to critically analyze their choices, often resulting in poor decisions. Groupthink can hinder creativity and innovation, as it discourages individuals from expressing their thoughts and concerns, primarily due to the fear of disrupting the group's consensus. This can lead to significant issues, as critical evaluation is essential for sound decision-making. Consensus decision-making, which is not the correct choice, involves all group members reaching an agreed-upon decision after considering various viewpoints, while collective rationalization refers to the process by which group members discount warnings and do not reconsider their assumptions. Unethical decision-making pertains to choices made that violate moral or ethical principles, which may not necessarily involve the conformity aspect that groupthink embodies.