In Principles of Management, the discussion on group decision-making provides valuable insight into how teams can make better, more thoughtful decisions. The book highlights two common challenges: social loafing, defined as “the tendency of some members to put forth less effort while working within a group” (2015, p. 490), and groupthink, described as “the tendency to avoid critical evaluation of ideas the group favors” (2015, p. 490) Both of these behaviors can seriously undermine a team’s success by limiting creativity, engagement, and honest discussion.

I have experienced these issues firsthand in group settings. For example, when my team had to decide on a topic for a research project, we immediately agreed on the first idea suggested. At the time, this seemed like efficient teamwork, but in reality, it reflected groupthink. We avoided exploring other ideas or questioning the initial suggestion. As a result, our final topic didn’t fully reflect everyone’s interests or strengths, and some members became less motivated to contribute — a subtle form of social loafing.

The book emphasizes that effective teams should work to “encourage a culture of difference where different ideas are valued” (2015, p. 493). I found this point particularly meaningful. Encouraging a culture of difference means creating an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing unique perspectives and where disagreement is seen as a path to better solutions, not conflict. In future group projects, I plan to apply these principles by actively inviting diverse opinions, questioning early assumptions, and making sure everyone’s voice is heard. Reflecting on these ideas helped me understand that successful group decision-making depends on balancing harmony with healthy debate.

Publisher. (2015). Principles of management. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing edition, 2015. This edition adapted from a work originally produced in 2010 by a publisher who has requested that it not receive attribution. https://doi.org/10.24926/8668.1801