Professor Gandarilla's Classroom

“A lone student in a locker room facing away while a group of teammates talks nearby, illustrating social isolation.”

Welcome to Week 6: Group Conformity and Leadership Responsibility

This week’s case, Bullying in the Locker Room, is a powerful and emotionally charged example of how group norms and peer pressure can blur the line between bonding and bullying. The case centers around Thomas, a new player who experienced significant emotional distress from the locker room culture; one that others defended as harmless “brotherhood.”

What makes this case even more complex is that no one believed the behavior was intended to harm. Teammates thought Thomas should have just “toughened up.” They insisted there was no physical harm and that everything was optional, even though they used vulgar slurs and off-color jokes as part of daily interactions.

Thomas eventually left the team, sought counseling, and revealed the emotional toll the environment had taken. His story highlights how conformity to group behavior can silence individuals, mask harmful dynamics, and create blind spots for coaches, teammates, and supervisors alike.

Before responding, be sure to read the News Flash! on page 297 — Solomon Asch’s study on group conformity — which helps explain why people go along with the group even when it contradicts their own values or observations.

Case and Prompt

Case: 11-B: Bullying in the Locker Room (Page 316)

Also Read:News Flash! Solomon Asch and Group Conformity (Page 297)

Case Questions:

What role do you think group conformity (as described in the Solomon Asch study) played in the locker room behavior?

What steps can a supervisor take to ensure that group conformity does not lead to negative behaviors?

Reflection Prompts

Consider the following as you shape your response:

  • Why might players join in or stay silent even if they sense something is wrong?
  • How does “group think” or fear of standing out affect a team’s culture?
  • Could someone like Thomas feel pressure to “laugh along” just to fit in?
  • What are the risks of mistaking harmful behaviors for harmless banter?
  • What actions should coaches or supervisors take to monitor team dynamics more closely?

Additional Resources:

Tip for the Week

Not all harm is physical. Emotional harm and psychological pressure are just as real and often harder to see. Leaders must learn to read the room and take proactive steps to ensure group norms don’t turn toxic.