I was reading this article about the Battle of Midway and how the unquestioning acceptance of the Japanese admiral’s plan led to the Japanese defeat. And read this snippet:
I’d heard of Irving Janis and the concept of Groupthink, but not this particular recommendation. Does anyone actually do this? (other than, I guess, the Catholic church that came up with concept of “Devil’s Advocate”) Is there a role at any major organisation who’s job, bonuses, etc. literally depend on being a contrarian that opposes everything that is suggested?
Pope John Paul II effectively eliminated this office in the church in 1983 (after only 404 years). He greatly reduced the powers & authority of the office. It was formerly involved in the process of evaluating a person for sainthood (‘canonization’) and was the side charged with arguing against. Since its’ elimination, people are being named as saints 20 times faster than before.
