Chapter 11
GROUP DECISION MAKING
Pros and Cons of group work:
Cons
Groups take time
Many people lack training in group discussion skills
Some leaders do not really allow groups to make decisions
Other leaders listen and then go off and make the decision alone
Pros
Generation of more ideas and better quality decisions than when working alone
Can stimulate creativity
More information and knowledge than just one person
Greater diversity of perspectives
Members of the group making decision understand how and why decisions were made – increasing
commitment to decisions and improves morale
Most of us feel more useful, productive, and more valued as professionals when we have a chance to share in
making significant decisions
Those who are skilled in group decision-making are much more likely to rise both in the esteem of their peers
and superiors and in the organizational hierarchy.
It is impossible to choose a particular procedure to be followed in all decision-making groups because the
dynamics of groups change or are different.
It is better to be aware of:
Group variables
Knowing how to best prepare for group meetings
How groups change over time
So that you can adapt appropriately to each new group context.
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