GROUP DECISION-MAKING

GROUP DECISION-MAKING

In many major organizations, decisions are often made by groups rather than by individuals. Studies have shown that groups make better decision that individual. As the old adage goes “Two heads are better than One”. A major reason why group decision-making is more effective than decision making by individual is that more information is available in a group setting.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Group-Aided Decision-Making and Creative Problem Solving

Advantage Disadvantage
Greater Pool of KnowledgeA group can bring much more information and experience to bear on a decision or problem than can an individual acting alone. Social PressureUnwillingness to “rock the boat” ant the pressure to confirm may combine to stifle the creativity of individual contributors.
Different PerspectivesIndividuals with varied experience and interests help the group see decision situations and problems from different angles. Domination by a Vocal fewSometimes the quality of group action is reduces when the group gives into those who talk the loudest and longest.
Greater ComprehensionThose who personally experience the give and take of group decision about alternative courses of action tend to understand the rational behind the final decision. LogrollingPolitical willing and dealing can displace sound thinking when an individual’s pet project or vested interest is at stake.
Increased AcceptanceThose who play an active role in group decision-making and problem solving tend to view the outcome as “ours” rather than “theirs” Goal DisplacementSometimes secondary considerations such as, winning and argument, making a point or getting back at arrival displace the primary task of making a sound decision or solving a problem.
Training GroundLess experience participants in-group action learn how to cope with group dynamics by actually being involved. GroupthinkSometimes cohesive ‘in-groups’ let the desire for unanimity override sound judgment when generating and evaluating alternative courses of actions.

Forms of Group decision-making

Interacting Groups: One of the most common forms of Group decision-making is an interacting group. It is a decision-making group in which the members openly discuss, argue about and agree on the best alterative. In this form, an exciting group (like a functional department, regular workgroup, or standing committee) or a newly designated group (such as an Ad-hoc committee, task force, or work team) is entrusted with the task of taking a decision. The discussion is open and interactive, with group members “free-wheeling” ideas that lead to an accumulation of pooled information and value judgments. The group arrives at a decision after discussing the pros and cons of various alternatives.

Delphi Groups: This form of group decision-making involves obtaining the options of experts and developing a consensus. Since this technique does not bring the participants together, most of the inhibiting factors of group dynamics are eliminated and anonymous participations is facilitated. This technique is not used for routine, every day decisions because it is time consuming and expensive. Steps to be followed in this method are appended below: