Groupthink and Leadership Paper Assignment

For this single-spaced typed paper, you must answer two questions-the first question and an assigned question (20 points). Your paper is due on . You must bring your paper to class so that you are able to use your information to participate in a class discussion (5 points). You will lose points if you email me your paper instead of bringing it to class. Please attach this assignment sheet to the back of your paper.

You must include at least 3 sources in your paper. You may only use Wikipedia for information on Irving Janis and his research on the causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent groupthink. Your supporting material must be properly cited using MLA or APA format (go to PSU Library and select research, citation guides, and then citation tools. Under citation tools you may choose between KnightCite or EasyBib for formatting).

Points will be deducted for grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.

1. Define groupthink. How did the term originate? Who is Irving Janis? List and explain the causes or conditions of groupthink as identified by Irving Janis. Describe (using details that include names and events) 2 causes or conditions of groupthink present in the decision-making groups of the Bay of Pigs, the Challenger space shuttle launch, and another event of your choosing where groupthink was a factor (e,g, Enron, BP Oil Spill, Sandusky Scandal, Iraq Invasion).

2. List and explain the symptoms of groupthink as identified by Janis. Describe (using details that include names and events) 2 symptoms of groupthink that were present in each of the decision-making groups for your first answer.

3. List and explain five ways that groups can avoid groupthink as identified by Janis. Describe at least one way that each of each of the decision-making groups in your first answer could have avoided groupthink. What was learned (positive outcome) of the groupthink decision made by each group?

4. Define leadership. (Library reserve article #11 "What Effective Group Members Do" by Beebe). Define the three styles of leadership (authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire). Discuss in what situations each style of leadership might be effective. Who were some of the leaders of the three decision-making groups discussed in your first answer? How did their leadership style affect the decision-making process?

5. Identify at least 5 traits/qualities of an effective leader. Define credibility and relate credibility to leadership. Identify and define at least 3 factors of credibility. Using these factors of credibility, discuss the credibility of 3 presidents (Kennedy must be one of them).