Identification of groupthink frequently only occurs after the occurrence of a problem or a fiasco. ―The paradox of groupthink is that unanimous decisions may be seen to be a display of resoluteness, when, in fact, they result from defense avoidance on the part of the individual members of the decision group‖ (Rosenthal & ‗t Hart, 1991, p. 361). Janis (1982) provided observable symptoms, allowing identification of the risk of groupthink and the opportunity to prevent.
Perhaps more important to identifying symptoms, Janis (1982) also provided nine recommendations designed to prevent groupthink from occurring (pp. 262-271). A summary of these prevention recommendations follows:
1. Each member should be a critical evaluator of the group‘s course of action; an open climate of giving and accepting criticism should be encouraged by the leader.
2. Leaders should be impartial and refrain from stating personal preferences at the outset of group discussion; they should limit themselves initially to fostering open inquiry.
3. Establish multiple groups with different leaders to work the question in parallel.
4. Split groups into subgroups to assess feasibility and effectiveness of proposals.
5. Each member of the group should privately discuss current issues and options with trusted associates outside the group and report reactions.
6. From time to time, bring in outside experts to challenge the views of the core members.
7. There should be one or more devil‘s advocates during every group meeting.
8. In conflict situations, extra time should be devoted to interpreting warning signals from rivals and to constructing alternative scenarios of their intentions.
9. Reconsider the decision in second chance meetings before going public.