What kind of issues can pitfalls in decision-making cause in a group setting?

In group decision-making, pitfalls can lead to a significant reduction in the ability to challenge the prevailing consensus. When individuals in a group become overly focused on maintaining harmony or agreement, known as groupthink, they may suppress dissenting opinions or critical viewpoints. This often results in a lack of diverse perspectives being considered, which can ultimately impair the quality of the decision-making process.

Instead of engaging in healthy debate or exploring various alternatives, group members might converge too quickly on a single idea, overlooking important considerations or potential drawbacks. This behavior not only damages the group's ability to make well-informed decisions but can also lead to further issues down the line, such as decreased innovation and suboptimal outcomes. Hence, recognizing these pitfalls is essential as it underscores the importance of fostering an environment where diverse thoughts can be expressed freely.