Cycles of divergence and convergence are particularly effective for helping teams do which of the following?

• A. avoid groupthink
• B. replicate existing ideas
• C. ignore diverse ideas
• D. lengthen meetings

Answer: (A)

Divergence and convergence cycles test the ability to surface a wide range of ideas and then critically evaluate them before deciding. The divergence phase invites many perspectives, encouraging everyone to share thoughts without immediate judgment. The subsequent convergence phase uses criteria and discussion to assess and narrow those ideas, helping the group reach a well-considered decision rather than settling on the first or a popular option.

This structure directly counters groupthink, where the desire for harmony leads to suppressing dissent and prematurely settling on a suboptimal choice. By intentionally expanding the pool of ideas and then rigorously evaluating them, teams surface diverse viewpoints and challenge assumptions, leading to more robust outcomes.

Replicating existing ideas would ignore the expansive step of generating new possibilities. Ignoring diverse ideas defeats the purpose of inviting multiple perspectives. Lengthening meetings can be a side effect, but it isn’t the goal—this approach aims to improve decision quality through better exploration and evaluation.