Which of the following best describes "groupthink"?

The concept of "groupthink" is characterized by a psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony and conformity within a group leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcomes. When individuals prioritize consensus over critical analysis and open discussion, they may overlook alternative viewpoints and important information that could lead to better decisions.

This tendency often results in poor choices because members suppress dissenting opinions, fail to critically evaluate or discuss alternatives, and become complacent in their thinking. In essence, the group's cohesiveness undermines its ability to address issues effectively, which is why this option accurately captures the essence of groupthink.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the established understanding of groupthink. While brainstorming and conflict avoidance may be components of group dynamics, they do not inherently describe the pitfalls of groupthink, which is specifically about the dangers of consensus-seeking behaviors that compromise decision integrity.