Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What type of leadership style is suggested to contribute to symptoms of groupthink?

1. Democratic leadership

2. CLOSED leadership and time pressures

3. Supportive leadership

4. Participative leadership

The correct answer is: CLOSED leadership and time pressures

The leadership style associated with contributing to symptoms of groupthink is characterized as closed leadership coupled with time pressures. Closed leadership creates an environment where leaders do not encourage open dialogue or alternative opinions from team members, which can stifle creativity and critical thinking. When combined with time pressures, the urgency of decision-making can further discourage individuals from voicing differing viewpoints. This scenario can lead to a phenomenon known as groupthink, where consensus is prioritized over critical analysis, often resulting in poor decision-making. In a group where closed leadership is present, individuals might conform to the prevailing opinion rather than challenge it, particularly when time constraints create an additional stressor. This dynamic can reduce the quality of the group's output as it promotes uniformity of thought at the expense of thorough discussion and evaluation of alternatives. By understanding how closed leadership works in conjunction with time pressures, nurses and healthcare professionals can recognize situations where groupthink may develop and take steps to encourage open communication and diverse perspectives, ultimately enhancing the decision-making process.