Which phenomenon describes a group's tendency to prioritize harmony over realistic outcomes?

The phenomenon that describes a group's tendency to prioritize harmony over realistic outcomes is groupthink. This occurs when the desire for consensus within a group leads to poor decision-making because dissenting viewpoints are suppressed or ignored. Members of the group strive for unanimity at the expense of evaluating alternative solutions or perspectives, which can result in irrational or dysfunctional outcomes. Groupthink is especially common in cohesive groups where the members share similar values and beliefs, creating an environment where critical analysis is overlooked in favor of maintaining group cohesion.

In contrast, conflict theory focuses on the power dynamics and inequalities within social relationships, while social facilitation pertains to the improvement in performance that occurs when individuals are in the presence of others. Cognitive dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort one experiences when holding two conflicting beliefs or values. These concepts each address different aspects of social behavior and group dynamics, making groupthink the best fit for the situation described.