Reference no: EM133320030

1. According to the theory "Groupthink," group decisions on policy action can suffer major flaws. Describe some characteristics of a group that would indicate that Groupthink might take place. What criteria would indicate that Groupthink had not occurred? Give two examples from your readings that represent that 1) Groupthink had taken place; 2) Groupthink did not occur.

2. Value trade-offs present complex problems for policy makers. Describe what is meant by value trade-offs. What are some values that policy makers will want to uphold? Are there cultural differences in values, explain? How might a decision maker avoid the stress of value trade-offs? In what way do politicians have a particularly difficult time making decisions where values of different constituencies are in conflict with one another?

3. After World War Two, why were scientists so interested in studying the authoritarian personality? How did Milton Rokeach's work on the Open and Closed Mind advance the study of authoritarianism? What is meant by the "belief and disbelief system? How does a closed mind relate to authoritarianism? How does a closed mind lead to stereotyping an opponent? How might an open minded person view an adversary?

4. Graham Allison contributes to the study of decision making by adding organizational, bureaucratic, and governmental bargaining dynamics to the field. How do governmental inter-departmental competitions lead to poor decisions? What are the personal goals an individual might strive for that might undermine overall policy goals and values? Drawing from your readings or from current events, give some examples of bureaucratic dynamics that have affected policy choices.