Which researcher is associated with the study of groupthink?

The researcher associated with the study of groupthink is Irving Janis. He introduced the concept of groupthink to describe the phenomenon where the desire for harmony and conformity in a group leads to flawed decision-making. Janis identified several symptoms of groupthink, such as the illusion of invulnerability, collective rationalization, and self-censorship, which can hinder critical thinking and result in poor choices. His work emphasized how group pressures can suppress dissenting viewpoints, thus affecting the outcomes of group decisions. This has wide implications in various contexts, including business and political decision-making, highlighting the importance of fostering an environment where diverse opinions can be expressed and considered.