Back in 1972 Irving Janis invented the word "groupthink" to describe what happens when people stop thinking as individuals and let group thinking take over. Groupthink is virtually inescapable. Family life is an example of it, as is any group such as a political party, a religious group or a chamber of commerce.

Whenever groups meet, the individual to some extent surrenders to the group "view". When this happens "groupthink" has taken over.

Now this is not bad in itself, providing that what the group "thinks" is not detrimental or harmful to its members or the rest of society. Opposing political parties can have very different policies and views, and those who belong to them can come to the belief that their party is superior.

The same with religious groups. Members can believe that their "beliefs" are orthodox and true, while others have somehow been mislead and have moved away from "the truth".

Is the group always right? How is it that many groups believe they have the "truth" while all the others are wrong? Surely they all can't be right, can they? Who decides what the group thinks?

And how come intelligent, discerning people like you and me can be overtaken by "groupthink" and let the group do the thinking for us?

Groupthink occurs when members of a cohesive and strong group emphasise 'agreement' among the group at the expense of critical thinking. They ignore opposing views and accept only what is in keeping with "the group".

To what extent are you involved in and influenced by "groupthink"? Let's have a look at its dynamics and symptoms.

Groupthink is strongest in groups with rigid rules, strong membership pledges and powerful and dogmatic belief systems. Such groups are usually dominated by manipulative leadership who seek to control the group by ruthlessly condemning opposing points of view and creating an "us and them" mentality in regards to the rest of society or other groups.

This type of groupthink believes they are invulnerable. No amount of criticism could undermine their views. Together they rationalise their stance, even when the evidence suggests they are wrong. They have a deep commitment to the justice and morality of "their cause", and see their opponents in stereotypic terms as "the enemy".

Of course direct pressure is brought to bare on any dissenters within the group and 'conformity' is rigidly enforced.

They practice self-censorship and will not listen to or tolerate the criticism of others. These groups have an illusion of unanimity, expecting total commitment and agreement from all members.

Self- appointed mind guards watch over the doctrines and dogmas of the group and freedom of thought and differences of opinion are not tolerated.

These "symptoms" of groupthink may appear to be extreme, but they appear to some extent across all types of groups within society. Very few of us have not been influenced at some time in our lives by some of the symptoms of groupthink.

Our family or ethnic group may have a "belief" about other people which we cling to even when it seems unfair or inhumane. Our political party may have an ideology which belittles others and favors certain groups. Our religious group may believe that we have "more of the truth" and that others are less spiritual then we are.

How can we stop "groupthink" becoming "groupstink"? If groups lock themselves away from others and adopt a superior attitude they ultimately become incestuous, irresponsible and lose their sense of accountability.

Vibrant questioning and open scrutiny of any group's operation should always be welcomed.

If we silence the opposition we may never know we were wrong, let alone if we were right!

Which is worse?