1. Group Problem Solving and Decision Making
Chapter 7

2. Objectives
Discern the difference between rational and political decision making.
Use the general approach to group problem solving. (9 steps)
List 7 suggestions for being an effective meeting participant

3. Rational versus Political Decision Making in Groups
Group decision making
The process of reaching a judgment based on feedback from more than one individual.
People involved in decision making may have different agendas and use different methods.
Two different approaches to group decision-making are the rational model and the political model.
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4. Rational versus Political Decision Making in Groups (continued)
Rational decision-making model
The traditional, logical approach to decision- making, based on the scientific method.
Assumes that each alternative is evaluated in terms of how well it contributes to reaching the goals involved in making the decision.
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5. Rational versus Political Decision Making In Groups (continued)
Political decision-making model
Assumes that people bring preconceived notions and biases into the decision-making situation.
Because the decision-makers are focused on satisfying their own needs, they often do not make the most rational choice.
Complete SA Quiz 7-1 pg 138
People who use the political model may operate on the basis of incomplete information.

6. Guidelines for Using General Problem-Solving Groups page 140
Group problem-solving steps for complex problems
Identify the problem
Clarify the problem
Analyze the cause
Search for alternative solutions
Select alternatives
Solving problems effectively in groups requires skill. We will examine aspects of group problem-solving that are useful in reaching more effective decisions
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7. Guidelines for Using General Problem-Solving Groups (continued)
Group problem-solving steps
Plan for implementation
Clarify the contract
Develop an action plan
Provide for evaluation and accountability
Apply these steps when faced with complex problems.
Collective efficacy – a group’s belief that it can handle certain tasks.

8. Managing Disagreement about Group Decision Making
Disagreement is not necessarily harmful to the final outcome and it may prevent groupthink.
The idea is to manage disagreement so the decision-making process does not break down.
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9. Aiming for Inquiry versus Advocacy in Group Decision Making
Inquiry – looking for the best alternative
Advocacy – fighting for one position
Results from the two modes are quite different
Compare the difference between group members involved in inquiry and advocacy.
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10. Guidelines for Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a group problem-solving technique that promotes creativity by encouraging idea generation through non- critical discussion.
The basic technique is to encourage unrestrained and spontaneous participation by group members.
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11. Guidelines for Brainstorming (continued)
Group size should be about five to seven people.
Everybody is given the chance to suggest alternative solutions.
No criticism is allowed.
Freewheeling is encouraged.
The brainstorming process usually falls into place without frequent reminders about guidelines. Nevertheless, there are nine rules to improve the chances of having a good brainstorming session.
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12. Guidelines for Brainstorming (continued)
Quantity and variety are very important.
Combinations and improvements are encouraged.
Notes must be taken during the session by a person who serves as the recording secretary.
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13. Guidelines for Brainstorming (continued)
Invite outsiders to the brainstorming session.
Do not become overly structured by following any of these guidelines too rigidly.
Brainstorming that is done by individuals working alone is referred to as brainwriting. The exercise on pg. 95 allows you to practise brainstorming versus brainwriting.
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14. Using Email and Groupware to Facilitate Group Decision Making
By using , team members can easily feed important information to all other members of the team.
Groupware is technology designed to facilitate the work of groups.
If people communicate with one another almost exclusively via , the warmth of human interaction and perceiving facial expressions is lost.
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15. Using Email and Groupware to Facilitate Group Decision Making (continued)
Some of the most common reasons people use groupware are as follows:
Makes communication faster, clearer and more persuasive.
Enables telecommunicating.
Reduces travel costs.
Improves problem solving.
One of the draw backs of groupware is that the system will break down unless almost all of the parties involved use the software successfully.
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16. Suggestions for Being an Effective Meeting Participant
Arrive at the meeting prepared.
Arrive on time and stay until the end.
Do not hog the meeting OR stay silent.
Use constructive non-verbal communication.
Converse only with other in the meeting when someone else is not talking.
Be prepared to offer compromise solutions.
Have data with you to support your position.
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17. Assignments Skill Building Exercise 7-1 Skill Building Exercise 7-2
New groups will be made between exercises. Be prepared to discuss your decisions.