Groupthink

The Bis Station That Couldn't

“Ever since it opened it 2003, the sprawling Frank R. Lautenberg railroad station next to the northern end of the New Jersey Turnpike in Secaucus has left everyone inclined to use it scratching their heads in bewilderment." Why? Because there is no place for commuters to park their cars within miles of the station, which was originally intended to be a transfer station.

This has left many wondering why the city would spend $450 million to build a commuter railroad station, when, “commuters are, in effect, barred from using it.” There seems to be no answer from New Jersey Transit. Furthermore, many wonder why the New Jersey Turnpike Authority spent millions on a long exit ramp connecting the station to the turnpike. Of course, this would make it easy to reach the station...by car!

When things go this wrong, you have to stop and ask yourself: is this an unfortunate byproduct of groupthink?

Groupthink is defined as the tendency of group members to think alike. It is when “a group clings to a shared but flawed or mistaken view of the world rather than being open to learning the truth” (Baumeister 496). The group sticks to a preferred course of action, rather than giving alternatives a fair chance. It often fails to recognize serious dangers or flaws in the plan.
Groupthink may explain why no one decided to build a parking lot. But why does groupthink happen? Many believe its roots lie in the desire to get along (Baumeister 496). Members of a group would rather agree than “waste time” arguing.

There are several conditions that enhance the likelihood of groupthink. First, the group tends to be fairly similar and cohesive from the start. Did members of the Board hold traditionally similar views, and were they accustomed to making decisions together?

Second, the presence of a strong, directive leader increases the likelihood of groupthink by discouraging dissension. Might the president of New Jersey Transit rule with an iron fist?

Third, isolation of the group closes it off from new information. Perhaps members of the Board have a hidden meetinghouse in which they make their decisions.

Finally, the group may have high self-esteem, regarding itself as superior and causing it to disregard other people’s opinions and desires.

If they decide to meet to discuss new alternatives in the future, they should try limiting premature seeking of concurrence, having an open style of leadership, perhaps having someone play “devil’s advocate,” and having subgroup discussions. These strategies should all decrease groupthink and prevent bad decisions.