What is a potential downside of relying on consensus in group decisions?

Relying on consensus in group decisions can lead to the suppression of individual opinions. This occurs because, in striving for agreement among group members, some individuals may feel pressured to conform to the majority view, even if they have reservations or different perspectives. The desire to maintain harmony and avoid conflict can overshadow the importance of voicing dissenting opinions or alternate ideas. As a result, valuable insights and critical viewpoints may be overlooked, which can ultimately hinder the effectiveness of the decision-making process.

In contrast, fostering unity, encouraging diverse perspectives, and enhancing creativity—while all positive outcomes—do not address the downside of consensus-building that can stifle honest dialogue and discourage individual input.