Which decision process emphasizes maintaining group cohesiveness over realistic assessment of facts?

The correct answer is the concept of groupthink. This decision-making process occurs when a cohesive group prioritizes harmony and consensus over critical analysis and realistic evaluation of information. Members may suppress dissenting viewpoints, disregard alternative solutions, and underestimate risks to maintain group unity. This often leads to poor decision-making outcomes as crucial information may be ignored in favor of collective agreement.

In the context of social psychology, groupthink can have significant implications, especially in high-stakes situations where critical decisions are made. The phenomenon illustrates how the desire for group cohesion can hinder effective problem-solving and lead to flawed choices. Understanding groupthink is essential for recognizing the importance of fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue and critical thinking, even among individuals who are closely aligned.

The other concepts, such as group polarization, great person theory, and transformational leaders, do not specifically address the prioritization of group cohesion at the expense of a realistic assessment of facts. Group polarization refers to the tendency of group discussions to lead to more extreme positions, while great person theory focuses on the impact of individual leaders on group dynamics. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate followers to achieve higher levels of performance, which does not inherently involve the suppression of dissent for cohesion.