What term describes the tendency of a group to prioritize cohesion over critical analysis when making decisions?

The term that accurately describes the tendency of a group to prioritize cohesion over critical analysis when making decisions is groupthink. This phenomenon occurs when the desire for harmony and conformity within a group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. Members of the group may suppress dissenting viewpoints, fail to critically analyze alternatives, and overlook potential risks in order to maintain unity and avoid conflict. As a result, groupthink can lead to poor decisions and outcomes, as the collective agreement is valued more highly than the quality of the decision-making process.

Understanding groupthink is essential, as it highlights the importance of encouraging open discussion and diverse perspectives within decision-making groups to avoid detrimental consequences.