Page 255 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

238 Chapter 9

outcomes of such control by the leader may be resentment, lowered cohesiveness,
half- hearted support for the decision, and unwillingness to contribute to subsequent
decisions.

Decision Making by the Leader in Consultation with Members
Often, a group leader reserves the right to make a decision but wants input from the
group. The leader consults with members, individually or as a group, then decides
based on that consultation. This is appropriate when the leader alone is responsible
for the decision, such as a department head who must determine annual budgets but
who wants to broaden his or her base of knowledge. It is also effective when a group
cannot come to consensus.

Decision Making by Majority Vote
Majority Decision Making a majority decision through voting by a show of hands, saying aye, or written
Decision made by or electronic ballots is probably the procedure used most often to settle a difference of
vote, with the winning opinion in democratic groups. On the plus side, each vote counts equally, and the
alternative receiving decision is reached more quickly than if the group’s norms require a consensus deci-
more than half the sion. But often the vote is split, with minority members (losers) sometimes doubting
members’ votes. that their ideas have been understood fully and treated fairly. Sometimes a group’s
bylaws require that a vote be taken; in that case, the group may want to discuss an
issue until consensus has been reached, and then vote to confirm it “legally.”

Decision Making by Consensus
Consensus Decision A consensus decision is one that all members agree is the best that everyone can sup-
A choice that all port. It is not necessarily each member’s favorite alternative. When a true consensus
group members has been reached, the output is usually better and members are more satisfied and
agree is the best one likely to accept the outcome. However, reaching consensus may take much more time
that they all can than other procedures. Furthermore, unanimity— the state of perfect consensus in
accept. which every group member believes that the decision achieved is the best that could
be made— is not at all common. Sometimes a true consensus cannot be achieved, no
matter how much time is spent in discussion.
Consensus may be superficial when some members cave in to higher- status mem-
bers, including bullies or “experts” who express their opinions with exceptional force,
Phasic Progression a designated leader, or a large majority. Even though it may be uncomfortable to be
the group’s opinion deviate, do not suppress your opinions because divergent opinions
The movement of a
group through fairly can lead to better decisions.
predictable phases
or stages, each of
which is Understanding Phasic Progression During Decision Making
characterized by
specific kinds of Groups often cycle through predictable phases as they attempt to solve problems and
statements. make decisions. Bales and Strodtbeck were among the first to identify this phasic
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progression. During the orientation phase, members orient themselves to the task

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