Page 254 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

Problem Solving and Decision Making in Groups 237

Understanding How the Group’s Decision Will Be Made

Groups may use a number of different methods to make decisions. Among the most
common are the four described briefly here, with their advantages and disadvantages
outlined in Table 9.2. Group members should know at the outset how the decision
will be made. Hurt feelings— or worse— will occur if group members think they will
make the ultimate choice but the group leader actually ends up choosing, so clarify
this at the beginning of the process.

Decision Making by the Leader
Sometimes a designated or emergent leader thinks the problem through alone and
announces a decision. Group members are then given instructions for executing the
decision. The resulting solution may or may not be a high- quality one, but other

TABLE 9.2 Comparing advantages and disadvantages of four common decision- making methods
Decision- Making
Method Advantages Disadvantages
By the Leader • Can be high- quality decision if leader is • Lacks others’ input, so may not be high
an expert. quality.
• Is fast. • Members may not support decision.
• Group avoids anxiety/responsibility of • May cause resentment, reduced
decision making. cohesiveness, lack of motivation for
future.
By the Leader, • Can be high- quality decision. • Members may resent decision if their
with Consultation • Can be faster than having group input isn’t used.
decide. • “Losing” side may not support decision.
• Especially useful if group cannot come • May encourage members to duck hard
to consensus. work of developing consensus.
• Members appreciate opportunity to
participate.
By Majority Vote • Familiar procedure for Americans. • Minority side may stay silent out of fear.
• Each vote counts equally. • Minority may resent outcome and not
• Decision can be reached quickly. support it.
• Majority is not always right; decision
may be flawed.

By Consensus • All members support decision. • Usually takes more time.
• Members more satisfied and committed • Members may feel pressured to

to decision. conform.
• Decision can be high quality, because • May be hard or impossible to achieve.
all viewpoints are taken into account.

gal37018_ch09_225_258.indd 237 3/28/18 12:37 PM