Groupthink Analysis Report - NASA Case Study, Leadership

This report analyzes the presence of groupthink within NASA's decision-making processes, specifically focusing on the challenges faced during the launch of a space shuttle. The analysis identifies key instances of groupthink, such as the reluctance of engineers and managers to challenge decisions, and the overconfidence in the design's capabilities, even in adverse weather conditions. The report identifies factors contributing to groupthink, including a perceived superiority complex within management, a disregard for subordinate engineers' opinions, and external pressures from governmental bodies. The study suggests that transformational leadership, democratic decision-making systems, and transparent frameworks can effectively mitigate groupthink. The report emphasizes the importance of these strategies in preventing future errors and fostering more effective and informed organizational decision-making.

Running head: INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT 4.2
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT 4.2
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT 4.2
1. Evidence of groupthink
There are significant evidences of group think in the organization. In the video the
engineers and the decision makers of NASA were finding hard to take a decision about the
launch of the space shuttle. This was owing to the fact that a very bad argument could have
ensued between them as a result of the differences in opinions. The forecast was made in regards
to the weather in Florida at the time. It identified that it would be very dangerous to launch the
rocket in the very low temperatures in the upcoming days. However, the people of the
management were unable to make the right decision and postpone the launch as they did not
want to disappoint each other in the management. There is significant evidence of group think as
the people were constantly procrastinating about actually postponing the launch of the space
shuttle. At the same time they were engaged in actually validating the conditions of the launch.
According to the decision making group the launch would not face any issues. Moreover the
important thing is that the people of the management were making decisions based on groupthink
and not actually providing their own views.
2. Factors that have contributed to groupthink
The factors that have contributed are many and can be attributed to various sources. The
management of NASA was facing a superiority complex issue. They did not want people to
know that they are incapable of launching a space shuttle due to their inability to control the
weather conditions. They were of the opinion that their design did not have any flaws. At the
same time they were overconfident of the launch prospects. The factors were important as they
contributed towards the group thinking that took place. The management thought that they did
not require the opinion of the subordinate engineers as they thought that they would be able to
take the important decisions all by themselves. It is important to note that the groupthink also
occurred as the management were related to the higher governmental offices. The management
was of the belief that they were perfectly effective in terms of the decisions that they could take.
The other factors were the creation of a government dominated decision making system.
3. Prevention of groupthink
Group think can be created though the implementation of transformational leadership. At
the same time it can be effectively mitigated by developing more democratic and knowledge

2INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT 4.2
focused decision making systems. It is important at the same time to create a transparent
framework that facilitates decision making. The decision making framework is important to be
developed and implemented effectively. This would enable the participation of the entire
organization in the process of decision making. The prevention of group think can further be
done through the creation of a setup that can facilitate the development of more accurate and
effective decision making systems. The focus should be on making the management process
smoother and more effective in terms of the value that can be generated.