TP, I have researched the effects groups have on the systems they are a part of. You may find this interesting.
Groups may be classified in many ways but one method is to look at them as homogeneous or heterogeneous. Heterogeneous groups tend toward more creativity and are more likely to innovate. This is a strength when the system or its products need to evolve. The weakness in Heterogeneous groups is that its members lack bonding so there is a high turn over rate in membership. Homogeneous groups are more harmonious and loyal to the system. They are more likely to care about the quality of the products, as well as, the climate and culture of the system. Their weakness is an unwillingness to go against the grain even when the system is deteriorating or the product has become overly stale. This is sort of common sense.
"Group think" is a phenomenon that is considered the most dangerous organizational event that effects systems. Here is how it works. A group is formed for what ever reason, like a task force to work out some problem in an organization. The group revels in their own success as their task is worked out. The members bond together and decide to continue tackle other work. The problem comes now because they have become a powerful entity within the system. The cohesiveness of the group has more value now than what they accomplish, so there is a tendency to "go along," even when bad ideas are presented.
Well, here is my view point on group think in the nineties. In the late 60's and 70's we experienced trememdous social change, much of it left a positive influence on the culture of the USA and the world. People were very open minded and generally prefered to shun labels and stereotypes. During the 80's people became very closed minded. High school kids became specialized into their groups of preps, metal, cowboys, gangsters, etc. The music was very uncreative in the eighties. It seemed like more of the same only louder or more intense. The music, as in other, periods is a reflection of the culture at large. Group think, began to take hold in the 90's. This can be seen most readily in the partisan loyalty and willingness to go along with anything. It really does not go anywhere when those on the left refuse to look at the mistakes, bad ideas, and weaknesses of their group; while harping the stereotypical complaints againts the right...and vica versa. In fact it does great harm to our society. |
