Internet Exercises

Activity 1: NASA

Introduction:

The NASA case study in your text suggests that the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy resulted in part from groupthink. Many aspects of the NASA culture, particularly the organization's long history of success, contributed to symptoms of groupthink. What has the organization done since that time to reduce the likelihood of conditions that promote groupthink? That's what you'll examine in this activity.

Instructions:

Review the characteristics of sound decision making as well as the conditions that promote and the symptoms of groupthink. In addition, review the NASA case in your text. Go to the NASA website. Browse through the website to find out about NASA's culture. For example, note what information is highlighted on the main page. Read through NASA's history and News and Information . Examine both images and text in generating your impression of NASA today.

1. Based on the information in the text and what you learned from the NASA website, in what ways is NASA different today than it was in 1986? Give examples.

2. In what ways does NASA seem to be the same? Give examples.

3. What steps does NASA seem to have taken to avoid the groupthink conditions that were present in 1986? Give examples.

4. How effective do you think those changes are in preventing another groupthink situation?

5. What have your learned about groupthink that you can apply to your own group experiences?

Activity 2: The "Bay of Pigs" and Groupthink

Introduction:

April 17, 2001, marked the 40th anniversary of the U.S. attempt to overthrow Cuba's leader Fidel Castro. Cuban exiles trained by CIA were unsuccessful in their attempt. The U.S.'s role in the invasion was criticized by many other countries. Why did the U.S. participate? Scholars generally agree that groupthink was at work. In this activity, you'll find out more about this event in U.S. history.

Instructions:

Go to the National Public Radio website . Listen to recent programs that focus on the "Bay of Pigs," such as "Fresh Air, Monday, April 16, 2001," that includes two pieces on the invasion. Other useful programs include "Reunion at Bay of Pigs Renews Debate on Secret Mission" (Saturday, March 24, 2001) and "Bay of Pigs" (February 22, 1998) .

Review the conditions, symptoms, and consequences of groupthink. Then answer the questions below.

1. How did the decision to implement the Bay of Pigs invasion fit the conditions that promote groupthink? Give specific examples.

2. What symptoms of groupthink can you identify in this situation? Give specific examples to support your assessment.

3. What symptoms of faulty decision making can you identify? Give a specific example for each symptom you identify.

4. How might U.S. leaders have avoided groupthink?

5. What have you learned from this activity that you can apply in your own group experiences?