Groupthink Process Issues - Essay Example

Now that I have time to think and write, I recall that I have more often noticed myself indulging in self-censorship. The concept of self-censorship has been around for a long. Firstly this term mainly got related to writers and journalists but now we see everyone doing it around us along with me.

Many individual and social ingredients convince a person to censor himself from others. Duncan (1994) writes that “People in different societies are more collectivistic than Americans, who tend to be individualistic” (p.79). Although, I agree strongly that we are products of our societies but Americans are a little bit loather to openly express their ideas and opinions. Most of the time, I know my colleagues are wrong but I don’t let them find out due to many reasons.           

At times, I lack confidence and I end up blocking myself from others. Other times, I fear that people will oppose me and question me. I feel challenged. It takes a lot from me to convince people and satisfy them with my answers. Eventually, I feel embarrassed and rejected by my group.

I also censor my views to avoid arguments. From time to time, I do it to avoid conflict of ideas and interests.  I have also felt that when I get along with my group very well and feel close to them then I am afraid to raise a question due to peer pressure. This phenomenon of group thinking minimizes the conflict between the group members. On occasions, when higher authorities are attending group meetings, I find it the easiest solution to hold my tongue to save myself from direct pressures and avoid potential career damage. I feel at worst when I get carried away by the strong feeling of competition and I see my group going in the wrong direction but keeping silent.

Self-censorship is becoming one of the most concerned areas in today’s era. The motivation to avoid it; is the hype all creative and innovative ideas get. It seems the world is always short of them. The group members want to know what the other person is thinking so I believe I should initiate discussion at the very beginning of it and through my ideas before someone else does. Secondly, it shall be necessary to write down your proposals. The written form will tell everyone whose idea was initially and the credit can go to that person. To keep away from it I also think there needs to be an incentive and then for sure I will avoid it. I will become proactive and take responsibility for my actions. Read More