The Iranian hostage crisis decision-makers : victims of groupthink?

This study focuses on the decision-making process which occurs at the highest level of government during a time of political crisis. What makes it different from other studies into small-group decision-making is the use of first-person accounts from the decision-makers, themselves. Eight officials who served under President Jimmy Carter agreed to be interviewed personally about this politically stressful time in recent American history. Their first-person accounts of the decision-making process which occurred during the Iranian Hostage Crisis form the bulk of the research. Also incorporated in this study are first-person writings and recollections from other individuals who were key to the decision-making process, as well as information drawn from the memoirs of the key decision-makers. Included, too, is a review of the literature on decision-making--both from the small-group and large-group perspectives-­ which has been conducted in a variety of academic disciplines. Specifically, this project adds to the work already done by Irving L. Janis of Yale University, who developed the "groupthink" hypothesis of small-group decision-making. For the first time, this research project tests Janis' groupthink theory against the insights, thoughts, and recollections of the crisis decision-makers, themselves. While this study lends some support to Janis' controversial theory, it also raises some questions and additional points that need further exploration and explanation if we are to understand better the communication process and the group dynamics factors which come into play at the highest echelon of government during a time of political crisis.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

1987

Author dc:creator

• Benson, Karen Wigger.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mansfield, Michael W.

• Group decision making -- United States.
• Iran Hostage Crisis, 1979-1981.
• United States -- Politics and government -- 1977-1981.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/13248

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/13248