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Case Incident 1: The Calamities of Consensus: Submitted By: Prashant Kumar (P40193)

The document discusses the downsides of consensus decision making in groups. It notes that consensus can lead groups to ignore risks, moral issues, and warning signs. It can also cause groups to stereotype and ignore outsiders, self-censor doubts, and apply direct pressure to conform. The response discusses an example from a class where the author's group reached consensus on a case study decision but later realized they should not have agreed. The response agrees with Martin Luther King Jr.'s statement that a true leader models consensus by addressing followers' concerns and guiding them, rather than forcing agreement.

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Nikku Singh
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138 views

Case Incident 1: The Calamities of Consensus: Submitted By: Prashant Kumar (P40193)

The document discusses the downsides of consensus decision making in groups. It notes that consensus can lead groups to ignore risks, moral issues, and warning signs. It can also cause groups to stereotype and ignore outsiders, self-censor doubts, and apply direct pressure to conform. The response discusses an example from a class where the author's group reached consensus on a case study decision but later realized they should not have agreed. The response agrees with Martin Luther King Jr.'s statement that a true leader models consensus by addressing followers' concerns and guiding them, rather than forcing agreement.

Uploaded by

Nikku Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Case incident 1: The Calamities of Consensus

Q: Is consensus a good way for group to make decisions? Why or why not?
Ans: No, consensus is not a good way to make group decisions,

• Illusions of invulnerability lead members of the group to be overly optimistic and


engage in risk-taking.
• Unquestioned beliefs lead members to ignore possible moral problems and ignore
the consequences of individual and group actions.
• Rationalizing prevents members from reconsidering their beliefs and causes them
to ignore warning signs.
• Stereotyping leads members of the in-group to ignore or even demonize out-group
members who may oppose or challenge the group's ideas.
• Self-censorship causes people who might have doubts to hide their fears or
misgivings.
• "Mind guards" act as self-appointed censors to hide problematic information from
the group.
• Illusions of unanimity lead members to believe that everyone is in agreement and
feels the same way.
• Direct pressure to conform is often placed on members who pose questions, and
those who question the group are often seen as disloyal or traitorous.

Q: Can you think of a time when a group of which you were a part relied on consensus? How
do you think the decision turned out?

Ans: In one of MAC discussion class, we were handed over case analysis of Formula one car
manager dilemma of taking decision weather to continue to run or withhold in short span of
time. On analysing the first snippet of case we reached consensus that they should go ahead
and run the race. After receiving the second part of case, there was dilemma regarding the
missing information about accident still in order to conform in group and show to class that
our group is united we agreed. On studying the third part, we were left with no choice but to
remain on consensus as it come down on ego. The end result was drastically different and the
manager should have not taken part in the race. This incident stated the idea that not always
consensus decision led to better results.

Q: Martin Luther King Jr. once proclaimed, “A genuine leader is not a seeker of consensus but
a modeler of consensus.” What do you think he meant by that statement? Do you agree with
it? Why or why not?

Ans: The said statement means that a true leader is one, who looks after the follower’s needs
carefully and resolves their concern convincingly and judiciously. The leader does not force or
urge their followers to go by his/her decision. He directs and guides the follower in the most
organised way possible. Moreover, the leader gives no opportunity to their followers to go
against him and protest. Yes, I agree with the statement and it should be followed by the leaders.

Submitted By :

Prashant Kumar(P40193)

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