1. Group Decision-Making Abby Hall & Dan Miller

2. Group Decision-Making Requirements Effective decision-making in groups depends on: 1) Developing a clear understanding of the decision situation. 2) Developing a clear understanding of the requirements for an effective choice. 3) Thoroughly and accurately assessing the positive qualities of alternative solutions. 4) Thoroughly and accurately assessing the negative qualities of alternative solutions.

3. Advantages of Group Decision-Making Advantages: 1) Greater pool of knowledge Two minds are greater than one 2) Different perspectives Differing points of view 3) Greater comprehension Accepting/understanding final decision based on all options 4) Increased acceptance Sense of ownership 5) Training ground Hands on experience

4. Disadvantages of Group Decision-Making Disadvantages: 1) Social Pressure Not wanting to “rock the boat” 2) Domination by a vocal few Controlled by the loudest and longest 3) Logrolling Putting ones’ vested interest ahead of the group 4) Goal Displacement Ignoring the primary task in favor of secondary considerations 5) “Group think” Putting unanimity before sound judgment

5. When Group Aided Decision Making is Appropriate Manager should involve members if… If additional information would increase the quality of the decision If acceptance is important If people can be developed through their participation

6. Group Problem-Solving Techniques Consensus Everybody agrees Brainstorming Generate a quantity of ideas Seven Rules of Brainstorming Nominal Group Technique Generating ideas and evaluate solutions The Delphi Technique Generating ideas from experts Computer-Aided Decision Making

7. Examples of Computer-Aided Decision Making 1)Chauffeur-driven “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” 2)Group-driven Using e-mail/internet to obtain feedback Group-driven meetings

8. Computer Mediated Communication Article: Computer Mediated Communication & Group Decision-Making »Tammie Ulrich, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Key Points: Use of computer mediated communication is on the rise in corporations May not be as effective as face-to-face communication Group decision-making process can be vulnerable to one’s ability to persuade another through discussion Group Decision making can be influenced by status Computer Mediated Communication removes many of the barriers in traditional group communication

9. Summary Managers need to use a contingency approach when determining when to conclude others in decision making Computer-Aided Decision Making can be more efficient by reducing roadblocks and cutting down on time Decision making can be simple, just use common sense!

10. Group Decision-Making The End