What can excessive cohesiveness in a group lead to?

Excessive cohesiveness in a group can lead to increased social pressure to conform to group standards. When a group is highly cohesive, its members may prioritize harmony and agreement over critical evaluation and diverse viewpoints. This strong desire for cohesion can result in individuals feeling pressured to align with group norms and decisions, even if they personally disagree. As a consequence, this may inhibit open dialogue and discourage healthy dissent, potentially stifling innovation and critical thinking.

The other options do not align with the dynamics of excessive group cohesiveness. Enhanced creative discussion is often hindered in highly cohesive groups due to the reluctance to share unconventional ideas. Improved individual participation may diminish when members feel pressured to conform instead of contributing their own perspectives. Lastly, while some level of conflict might be managed in a cohesive group, excessive cohesiveness often leads to avoidance of conflict rather than healthy resolution, which can create deeper issues over time.