Group dynamics and conformity

In short: People often conform to the group, even against their own perception. Groups develop roles, norms and dynamics that strongly influence behaviour.

In more detail: In the Asch experiment (1951) many participants did not contradict obviously correct judgements when the group judged wrongly.

In detail

• Peer pressure: The wish to belong is strong, especially in youth.
• Groupthink: In closed groups doubts are suppressed and poor decisions made.
• Bystander effect: The more observers, the lower the individual’s willingness to help. Address one person directly (“You in the red jumper, call 112!”).
• Roles: Leader, follower, outsider; roles shape expectations.
• Phases: Forming, storming, norming, performing describe how teams grow together.
• Courage to disagree: A single ally makes dissenting opinions much easier (kognitive-verzerrungen, konflikte-im-team-ansprechen-und-lösen).