Re: Re: Group Think

AAdamski_at_aol.com
Tue, 9 Feb 1999 15:38:25 EST


Martin:
In regards to your question regarding if "group think" can apply to only two
individuals in the cockpit, I posed this question to an associate of mine (Dr.
Ron Westrum) who has explored similar issues with risky technologies in depth.
I believe his answer provides more food for thought regarding the CRM
environment.

It is not whether or not the group think phenomenon applies to two pilots in
the cockpit; it is a question of what thinking process is dominant at the
time. Ron describes two processes which affect our thinking and decision
making. The first is the primary process which is concerned with avoiding
anxiety. The other is the secondary process which is reality oriented and
connects the individual with the outside world. All groups use a mixture of
the primary and the secondary. Group think is an example of the primary
thinking process (emotional) being dominant. The issue is are we thinking and
making decisions based on seeking reasurance, or are we thinking and making
decisions based on a reliance with reality.

I am interested in your take on the above. Let me know.

Regards,
Tony A.