Explore how groupthink affects diversity and inclusion

Groupthink is defined as ‘the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group, resulting typically in unchallenged, poor-quality decision-making’.

With the creative industries being primarily dominated by young, white, middle to upper class, heterosexual males, groupthink can be a massive problem for the industry.

On this two-week course from Livity, you’ll delve into the concept of groupthink, learning about its potentially negative consequences on the creative industry and how you might foster positive alternatives.

Discuss whether groupthink can ever be positive

There is a difference between groupthink and group thinking. In fact, there are many examples throughout history of groups coming together to affect positive change.

You’ll explore the effects of groupthink, both negative and positive, with a focus on how it affects diversity in the workplace. Then, you’ll look at alternatives to groupthink and how an organisation can best transition to a more diverse approach to group thinking.

Analyse the current state of diversity in the workplace

The creative industry can’t expect to create inclusive work if it’s not inclusive. If research, development, and creative processes are not inclusive by design, we are not serving our customers and therefore cannot make the best work possible.

This course will guide you through diversity in the workplace as it currently stands, from ethnic and gender diversity to socio-economic disparity. You’ll then discuss ways to shape an organisation’s structure to better avoid groupthink.

Discover strategies to mitigate groupthink

At the end of this course, you’ll learn how to create solutions to mitigate or foster different forms of groupthink on management, team, and individual levels, and then how to apply and encourage your methods.

Syllabus

Week 1
Groupthink: What is it? How does it happen? What does it do?
- Welcome to Week 1 of Groupthink
  In this activity, we'll take a look at what's coming up in Week 1.
- What is groupthink and how does it affect diversity?
  In this activity, we'll discuss what groupthink is and how to spot it. You'll also get the opportunity to explore your personal experiences of groupthink.
- Diversity affects groupthink from top to bottom
  In this activity, we'll explore some recent statistics regarding diversity in leadership roles.
- Summary of the week
  In this activity, we'll review the topics we've covered this week and prepare for next week.
Week 2
True beliefs vs knowledge
- Welcome to Week 2
  This week we'll examine the fundamental evidence we use to claim our beliefs are knowledge.
- True beliefs and knowledge: What's the difference?
  In this activity, we'll discuss the difference between true beliefs and knowledge.
- Groupthink: Is it always a bad thing?
  In this activity, we'll explore whether groupthink is always negative or if it can sometimes be a force for good. We'll also discuss the effectiveness of 'one-and-done' DEI training.
- Summary of the week
  In this activity, we'll review everything we covered in week two.
Week 3
Strategies to mitigate groupthink: Part 1
- Welcome to Week 3
  In this activity, we'll take a peek at what's coming up in Week 3.
- The first two symptoms
  In this activity, we'll look at the first two symptoms separately and suggest mitigation strategies. You'll also get the opportunity to make suggestions of your own.
- The next two symptoms
  In this activity, we'll look at symptoms 2 and 4 separately and suggest mitigation strategies. You'll also get the opportunity to make suggestions of your own.
- Wrapping up Week 3
  In this activity, we'll review everything we covered in Week 3.
Week 4
Strategies to mitigate groupthink: Part 2
- Welcome to Week 4
  In this activity, we'll take a look at what's coming up in Week 4.
- Self-censorship and how to avoid it
  In this activity, we'll continue looking at each groupthink symptom separately and suggest mitigation strategies. You'll also get the opportunity to make suggestions of your own.
- The final three symptoms
  In this activity, we'll discuss the final three symptoms of groupthink and provide some mitigation strategies.
- What about this scenario?
  In this activity, we'll look at a fictional work scenario and vote on what responses the team should have taken. You'll also get the chance to discuss your own suggestions.
- Summary of the week
  In this activity, we'll review everything we covered in week four and look ahead to what's coming up in your final week.
Week 5
Methods, authenticity and inclusion
- Coming up this week
  In this activity, we'll take a look at what's coming up in your final week.
- Methods, authenticity and inclusion
  In this activity, we'll revisit your peer-reviewed assignment. You'll get to share the insights you made with other learners. We will also explore how bravery and vulnerability are two sides of the same coin.
- Summary of course
  Congratulations on finishing this course. Here, we will summarise everything we covered.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Discuss the definition of groupthink.
Explore events that were affected by groupthink.
Debate other learners' opinions on groupthink.
Compare groupthink to group thinking.
Critique other learners' debating techniques and logical structures.
Explore each symptom of groupthink.
Apply strategies to mitigate the symptoms of groupthink.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone wanting to contribute to and foster diversity in their processes, specifically within creative industries.

You may find it especially useful if you’re looking to hire a diverse team, whether you’re the founder of a creative start-up, part of a HR team, or in a senior leadership position at a creative agency.

Who developed the course?

Livity

We’re living through the greatest uncertainty of our lifetimes. But it’s not a blip — it’s the new reality of constant disruption. And the next generation are putting on notice the brands and institutions who don’t play their part in making it better.

LIVITY is a creative business that works hand in hand with brands and the next generation to build the future better. Built in co-creation with our next gen network, our courses will build your relationship with your future audience.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn