Other Shades of Diversity: Identifying Factors that Facilitate Critical Thought
Abstract
This study explores the relationship between diversity and groupthink. In a 2011 Air Force Times article, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Philip Breedlove, said, If there are all male Caucasians sitting around the table, you have groupthink. The intent of this paper is to investigate if demographic diversity is a major factor in avoiding groupthink. The author attempts to determine whether it is possible to have diversity of thought among a group of people of the same race and/or gender, specifically Caucasian male officers in the United States Air Force (USAF). He begins by researching recent USAF diversity initiatives and evaluating their effectiveness. The author then studies the groupthink phenomenon, paying particular attention to the role of diversity in formulating remedies and solutions. This is followed by case studies of two Caucasian male USAF officers, Lt Gen Pete Quesada and Col John Warden, who are well known for their critical thinking ability and their successful dissent against corporate air force norms. The overall objective is to provide recommendations on how strategy and planning teams can avoid groupthink by identifying individuals who possess the traits necessary to dodge this common phenomenon.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1015780
Entities
People
- Anthony J. Muir
Organizations
- Air University