What is suggested as a solution to groupthink and conformity?

Passage

Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage: Group thinking, often referred to as groupthink, is a psychological phenomenon wherein the desire for unanimity within a group overrides the motivation to appraise alternative viewpoints critically. It frequently leads to flawed decision-making because dissent is either internally suppressed or socially penalized. Social conformity, its close ally, describes the act of aligning one's beliefs or behaviours with those of a majority, often subconsciously, in pursuit of acceptance or avoidance of conflict. In tightly knit groups—such as corporate boards, political committees, or academic panels—individual members may refrain from expressing contrarian ideas, fearing ostracization or reputational risk. Over time, this collective homogeneity breeds intellectual stagnation, reducing innovation and enhancing vulnerability to strategic errors. The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion and the Challenger space shuttle disaster are frequently cited as textbook examples of decisions marred by groupthink. Psychologically, the roots of group conformity lie in our evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging, where deviation was historically associated with survival risk. In modern society, the same instinct manifests through peer pressure, organizational culture, and digital echo chambers. Algorithms reinforce conformity by curating information bubbles that validate existing biases while filtering out divergent thought. However, the remedy to such cognitive myopia lies in institutionalizing dissent. Constructive disagreement, when encouraged within teams or communities, acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision. Promoting a culture where counterarguments are respected rather than reprimanded can lead to more robust, balanced, and resilient decision-making. In an age dominated by viral trends, polarized discourse, and performative alignment, the courage to question consensus is both rare and essential. True progress emerges not from blind allegiance to majority norms, but from critical inquiry and the audacity to challenge the comfortable.

Question

What is suggested as a solution to groupthink and conformity?

1. A. Hiring more senior leaders
2. B. Mandating compliance
3. C. Encouraging constructive dissent (Correct answer)
4. D. Expanding digital networks

Correct Answer

Option C — Encouraging constructive dissent

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Encouraging constructive dissent.

Key Points

• The passage proposes institutionalising dissent as the remedy, arguing that constructive disagreement acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision.
• It adds that a culture where counterarguments are respected rather than reprimanded produces more robust and resilient decisions — so the solution is cultural, not structural.
• Option B is the opposite of the argument: mandating compliance would deepen conformity.
• Options A and D are never offered as remedies; the passage in fact presents expanding digital networks as part of the problem, through echo chambers.
• Solution questions usually sit in the final third of a passage, after the problem has been developed — read there first.

Additional Information

• Remedies and conclusions usually sit in the final third of a passage, after the problem has been set out and illustrated.
• The counter to groupthink in organisational practice includes appointing a devil's advocate, seeking outside review, and anonymous voting before open discussion.
• Where a passage frames something as part of the problem — digital networks here — an option proposing more of it cannot be the solution.