Referring back to the groupthink phenomenon detailed in Chapter 1, groups of individuals who strive for conformity and cohesiveness may begin to lack diversity and become homogenous in their ways of thinking, which can influence their behaviours and decision-making abilities, leading to what's known as the group attribution error. Homogenous organizational teams can result in the group of employees reaching a consensus that lacks critical thinking, reasoning, or evaluation of the consequences or possible alternatives during the decision-making process.

From a different point of view, individuals may look at other groups of people and attribute certain characteristics of an individual group member to all the others in that group. According to the social identity theory, this is known as the out-group homogeneity bias, or the tendency to assume that every member of a particular group (e.g., groups of individuals of a certain race, gender, religion, etc.) are alike or similar to each other, in contrast to recognizing the diversity and uniqueness of the individuals within their own group. The group attribution error occurs when an individual assumes that each member of a particular group agrees with the members of their particular group. To further this notion, this perceptual error can persist even when information is presented that indicates that not all members of the group support or agree with the decision (Mackie & Allison, 1987).

Perceptual Grouping and Categorical Thinking

The minds tendency to group several stimuli into more recognizable patterns is known as perceptual grouping. Patterns may be based on various aspects, such as proximity, similarity, or inclusiveness. Categorical thinking is the process of placing individuals into preconceived categories, as discussed earlier. This process can lead to the assumption that others in close proximity are similar to those around them, known as the proximity principle. For example, a group of several individuals may consist of several engineers, leading one to presume the others in the group are also engineers.

In addition to grouping and categorizing similar things, the mind will use mental models or imagery to represent its external environment. Perceptual grouping is used to make further sense of the situation, such as making connections or filling in the missing information. For example, an employee who does not complete certain tasks on time or in an appropriate manner can use mental models to perceive the consequences that can occur due to their own actions.

Question 5.6HomeworkUnansweredDue Today, 11:59 PM

Meredith is a new employee and has just finished introducing herself to her co-workers. Her mind will begin to place her co-workers into preconceived categories. Which perceptual process is this considered to be?

Select an answer and submit. For keyboard navigation, use the up/down arrow keys to select an answer.

a

Mental models

b

Perceptual grouping

c

Categorical thinking

d

Proximity principle