groupthinkers
Herd mentality followers
Groupthinkers are people who conform to the consensus of their group rather than thinking independently.
The term is mildly pejorative, suggesting intellectual laziness or cowardice—prioritizing harmony and belonging over critical analysis: The committee was full of groupthinkers who never challenged the boss's ideas.
Those obeying social norms
- yes-menAutomatic approval-givers
- followersPeople who support someone
- herd mentalityTendency to follow crowds
- uniformityState of being identical
compliance · homogeneity · orthodoxy · conventionality · assimilation · standardization · like-mindedness · alignment
Tendency to bind together
- solidarityUnity among allies
- unanimityComplete group agreement
- consensusGeneral group agreement
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
accord · unity · convergence · concurrence · agreement · alignment · cooperation · like-mindedness
Influence from one's equals
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
intimidation · ostracism · shaming · bandwagon · swaying · silencing · exclusion · ridicule
Preferring belief-supporting information
- cognitive dissonanceDiscomfort from contradictory beliefs
- overconfidenceUnjustified certainty in oneself
- moral high groundPerceived position of righteousness
- blind spotsUnperceived areas of awareness
Groups delegated specific duties
- cabinetsEnclosed storage furniture
- boardsPlanks or governing bodies
- panelsFlat rectangular sections
- caucusesClosed political party meetings
cliques · cabals · factions · coalitions · councils · juries · task forces · focus groups
conformists
Those obeying social norms
- yes-menAutomatic approval-givers
- followersPeople who support someone
- herd mentalityTendency to follow crowds
uniformity · compliance · homogeneity · orthodoxy · conventionality · assimilation · standardization · like-mindedness · alignment · echo chamber
cohesion
Tendency to bind together
- solidarityUnity among allies
- unanimityComplete group agreement
- consensusGeneral group agreement
harmony · accord · unity · convergence · concurrence · agreement · alignment · cooperation · like-mindedness · insularity
peer pressure
Influence from one's equals
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
bullying · intimidation · ostracism · shaming · bandwagon · swaying · silencing · exclusion · ridicule · mockery
confirmation bias
Preferring belief-supporting information
- cognitive dissonanceDiscomfort from contradictory beliefs
- overconfidenceUnjustified certainty in oneself
- moral high groundPerceived position of righteousness
committees
Groups delegated specific duties
caucuses · cliques · cabals · factions · coalitions · councils · juries · task forces · focus groups · inner circles
groupthinkersfreethinkers
Independent-minded questioners of orthodoxy
critical thinkers · skeptics · free agents · mavericks · lone wolves
groupthinkersdissenters
Opponents of prevailing views
nonconformists · contrarians · mavericks · iconoclasts · rebels
groupthinkerscritical thinkers
Those who reason carefully
skeptics · devil's advocates · dissenters · questioners · gadflies