Group Decision Making, Research Paper Example

This entails multiple individuals who act collectively in analyzing situations and problems. In addition, they further evaluate and consider the alternative courses of action in a participatory process. Here, after the analysis, the most appropriate solution undergoes selection amongst the numerous present. It is not vivid to the number of individuals taking part in group-decision making, but primarily the range is two to seven people. Group decision making may be either formal or informal, and so they tend to follow a certain specific steps in reaching the conclusion (Jie 561). It is notable that the step followed may be either structured or unstructured. Efficiency of the group decision making may be affected to some extent with the following factors: democratic makeup, size of the group, purpose, and structure.

Since decision-making is a collective responsibility, then the need each group members opinions of each group member should be taken into account. Consequently, if the above is put into consideration correctly, then the group will not only be effective but also successful. As a group, the core factor is to make useful and sound decisions, following the above; here are some steps that warrants adherence in making sound decisions. The group should identify the decision to be made, establish criteria, decide and hence analyze the issue, brainstorm for solutions, and lastly monitor and evaluate the result.

In reality, it is not easy to acknowledge the strength or weakness of a certain decision making group unless the group studies several factors such as the demographic diversity. The following are the summaries of the cons and pros involving decision making in any given group.

Advantages of Group Decision-Making

Advantages in a decision making group lies to the expertise and strength of the group members. A decision group becomes more viable and so able to give out many alternatives upon the tapping of the uniqueness of each member of the group. In other words, the effectiveness of the decision making group will sprout if potentiality of each member is noted.

Since group decision-making involves many individuals, the outstanding advantage is that action chosen meets a greater understanding. In this case, all the members have contributed towards the action. Thus, this action will eventually encourage the sense of ownership and promote compatibility within the members (Castellan 130). Therefore, all members will feel accepted, and so they will be committed in ensuring the action is successful.

Disadvantages

Under this group decision making area, there are many notable disadvantages as follows. Comparing group decision making to an individual, it is evident that there is general sluggishness to reach an agreement. This disadvantage implies that it is difficult to utilize an opportunity where fast decision is necessary. In addition, there arises mental deterioration; as a result, one of the members may feel under pressure if he or she does not agree with the majority. Therefore, this makes it possible for pending issues to arise due to lack of complete agreement from the members. Further, formal decisions as brainstorming and nominal group technique will be executed in parts. This minimizes the potentiality of group thinking. Moreover, some members of the group can be dormant if a leader with authority dictates the group. Similarly, if the internal uncertainties such as stress or pressure group exist within the group, then groupthink may arise. According to (Cassidy 67), it is evident that groupthink may occur if the group is more cohesive. Lastly, group polarization is another disadvantage when it comes to group decision making. In this regard, group members tend to converge to solve problem and extreme solutions.

Strategies for Group Decision-Making

The designing of strategies essentially aims to improve the process of decision making in a group. Delphi technique, brain storming and dialectical inquiry is some of the strategies that govern group decision making.

Brainstorming

This entails the verbal contribution to ideas or alternative action caused by each member of the group (Castellan 232). This is unstructured form of decision-making, where situation at hand is described in lengthy and deeply for each member to heed the problem. Following this, the group leader will solicit ideas from group members, and then the ideas are put in records. Further, the process of evaluation comes in followed by different utility and suggestions presented. It is worth to note that, brainstorming does not offer a lot in evaluation or processing of the alternatives, but it is essential generating the alternatives.

The Delphi Technique

This is very vital when the group members are placed in different geographical or physical locations. Selection of the members of Delphi is based on their expertise or specific knowledge. Unlike the brain storming technique, here each individual is given the mandate to separately generate ideas and meet the alternative solution to the problem, in stages (Cassidy 230). There are several ways that the inputs are provided for instance, fax, email or teleconferencing just to mention but a few.

Application

Strategies do function well if they are put in practice correctly in the day-to-day life. Here, brainstorming is one of friendly way when it comes to application. The following rules warrants adherence when applying the above. First, one should have welcoming issues where, unusual issue should be welcomed for effective tame up. Besides, one should avoid criticism. In this regard, it is pertinent that criticism be delayed until at the evaluation time.  Quantity should be observed since when the numbers of ideas are in plenty, the chance of effective and radical solutions are met. Again, improved and combined ideas, here, as much as ideas are wanted, there is also need for evaluating them to make them best (Scott and Hirokawa 200.

Here are some steps that should be followed when brainstorming; participants should come from a wide number of disciplines. Note down the description of the situation or problem. The description will spearhead everyone’s mind so that each person may heed the problem. Since the solutions will come in mind of the group members, it is worthy to note them down. Premature evaluation of ideas is prohibited, until when the evaluation time is due. Hence, the best action is evaluated from the list of written examples.

Conclusion

Group decision making is the best way of solving problems that has hitherto. Here, members have the mandate to air their views and definitely, the solution will be reached. Again, it is not that tiresome when you are contributing to an issue. In general, group decision making is one of the best way of solving an issue or a problem with ease. In most cases, this way of solving problems is beneficial to teachers and students.

Work Cited

Cassidy,  Michael, F. Group Decision Making. Chicago: American Society for Training and Development, 2010.

Castellan, John .Individual and Group Decision Making. New York, NY: Routledge, 2009.

Jie, Lu. Multi-Objective Group Decision Making: Methods Software and Applications with Fuzzy Set Techniques: Imperial College Press, 2007.

Scott, Marshall Poole and Hirokawa, Randy .Communication and Group Decision Making. London: SAGE, 2010.