FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Human Factors and CRMMedium
During an approach briefing, a captain proposes continuing a visual approach despite worsening visibility. Several crewmembers privately doubt the plan but say nothing, wanting to preserve harmony and avoid conflict with the captain and each other. This behavior is best described as:
- AAuthority gradient
- BJust culture
- CAdvocacy and inquiry
- DGroupthink
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Groupthink
Groupthink occurs when a desire for consensus or harmony within a group causes members to suppress dissenting views, even when they privately disagree. Unlike authority gradient, which is about power distance from a leader, groupthink can occur among peers as well and stems from social pressure to conform.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Authority gradient specifically concerns power distance from the captain, not general peer conformity.
- B. Just culture refers to a non-punitive reporting environment, unrelated to this scenario.
- C. Advocacy and inquiry is a communication technique for raising concerns, the opposite of what occurred.
Groupthink
A phenomenon where group members withhold dissenting opinions to maintain consensus and avoid conflict, often leading to poor decisions.
- Driven by desire for harmony over critical evaluation
- Can occur among peers, not just subordinate-to-leader
- Countered by encouraging dissent and diverse input
Memory trick: Everyone nods along even when their gut says no — that's groupthink.