Decision Making
Though decision making can seem intimidating, it can be positive and productive provided you are aware of the methods and process of decision making. Decision-making should properly utilize group resources and abilities while at the same time fostering positive group dynamics.
Methods of Decision Making
Authority without discussion- The leader makes decisions without
consultation, input, or feedback from group members.
Advantages- This approach is most useful for routine administrative
decisions when little time is available.
Disadvantages- It provides little group ownership; lack of input
may lead to hasty or poorly thought-out decisions.
Decisions by an expert member- The individual in the group who has
the most expertise in a given area decides what the group shall
do.
Advantages- This approach is appropriate when an individual's expertise
is clearly superior to that of other members.
Disadvantages- It is often difficult to identify the expert.
Averaging of members' opinions- This is also referred to as a polling
approach. Each member is asked for an opinion, and the results are
averaged.
Advantages- This approach is applicable when it is difficult to
get group members together and/or a decision needs to be made before
a meeting can be organized.
Disadvantages- Members do no benefit from group discussion and may
not understand issues; innovative approaches are seldom chosen.
Decision by authority with discussion- The group discusses the issue
and ideas together, and the leader then takes the alternatives under
advisement and makes the decision.
Advantages- This is a relatively quick method, which utilizes members'
ideas. This method gains some benefit from the discussion, which
may bring forth information or ideas, which the leader had not previously
considered.
Disadvantages- It does not provide ownership of the decision by
the group. Competition rather than cooperation is fostered to impress
the leader.
Minority control- The decision is delegated to a subgroup, most
typically a specialized committee.
Advantages- This approach is useful when the committee has special
expertise or when time prohibits the large group from making the
decision.
Disadvantages- This method does not utilize the resources of the
whole group.
Majority control- Ideas and issues are discussed then a vote is
taken. The choice, which receives the most votes, is the group's
decision.
Advantages- Majority control involves all members in the process;
it allows for input and idea exchange among the whole group.
Disadvantages- This approach may create a resistant, disgruntled
minority.
Consensus- Ideally it involves everyone in the process and results
in a decision, which is agreed upon by all participants. It can
be achieved when there is ample time for all positions to be stated,
communication is open, the climate is cooperative and supportive,
and the decision is clearly understood by everyone. An important
aspect of consensus is that members are allowed to express themselves
fully without interruption.
Advantages- In this approach group members take ownership of decision
and positive morale is maintained; the group fully explores options,
ideas, and resources.
Disadvantages- Reaching consensus is time consuming and sometimes
difficult to achieve.
The Decision-Making Process
No matter which decision-making method is chosen, a standard process should be followed.
Step 1: Identify the Decision to be Made: Specifically define the
problem or decision and ensure that all those involved in the decision-making
process understand and agree upon the decision to be made.
Step 2: Gather Information: Consult as many sources as possible
to collect all the relevant information regarding the decision to
be made.
Step 3: Identify Alternatives: List many possible ideas, solutions,
or courses of action, which will specifically address the decision.
Step 4: Weigh Evidence- Take into account all the information you
have gathered, including resources, strengths, and weaknesses of
both yourself and your group; project the outcome of each alternative;
prioritize the alternatives based on the values and needs of the
group.
Step 5: Select the Best Alternative: Review the various options
and choose an option based on what is best for your organization
at this time.
Step 6: Take Action: Develop an action plan for implementing the
decision; structure the plan to include time frame, who is responsible,
how to communicate to those responsible the objective and their
roles, how to obtain any resources needed, how to measure progress,
and how to evaluate the decision.
Step 7: Review Decision and Consequences- Review the results of
your decision to see if it successfully dealt with the issue you
identified; you may need to make adjustments to your plan or choose
another alternative at this time.
Throughout the decision-making process, participants should be encouraged to consider all viewpoints and to state their own positions freely. Explore controversies and search for areas of agreement. Constructive debate can often yield the best decisions.
Ethical Decision Making
To ensure that your decision is ethical, ask yourself the following
questions:
1. Is it legal?
Will I be violating civil law or college policy?
Legality also refers to policies and procedures of student code,
buildings, organization constitution and bylaws, etc.
Every group member is responsible for both the integrity and consequences
of his or her own actions. No one should take part in any activity,
which would harm the organization's reputation and image.
2. Is it balanced?
Does it promote win-win relationships?
Is the decision going to be fair, or will it heavily favor one part
over another in the long or short term?
Will there be a "big winner" or "big loser?"
3. How will it make me feel about myself?
Will it make me feel proud?
Would I feel good if my decision were published in the newspaper?
Would I feel good if my family knew about it?
From the book The Power of Ethical Management by Kenneth Blanchard and Norman Vincent Peale.
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