Beyond Groupthink is a text written by Eric Stern et al. The authors believe that a certain amount of Groupthink can be beneficial in small groups. Articles involving Groupthink have also appeared in the Wall Street Journal and various other publications. These types of groups are used when there are complex problems to be solved, important situations to work through, or uncertain conditions. There are certain situations which call for the use of groups.
Individuals can also benefit from group participation.
Groups must accomplish tasks that individuals cannot. This is the primary function of groups. At Northeastern University an academic program has been developed to facilitate group communication. Irving Janis did lots of work in the area of group communication. He wondered why intelligent groups of people sometimes made decisions that led to disastrous results.