Question

What are five decision-making methods for groups? Under what condition is each method an appropriate choice?

Answer 1

1) Consensus is a decision-making rule that groups may use when the goal is to gain support for an idea or plan of action. While consensus tends to take longer in the first place, it may make sense when support is needed to enact the plan. The process works by discussing the issues, generating a proposal, calling for consensus, and discussing any concerns

2) Multi-voting:It starts with a round of voting where an individual casts his vote for the shortlisted options. Each individual can cast one vote at a time. The options with the maximum number of votes are carried to the next round. This process is repeated until a clear winning option is obtained.

3) Delphi method:In this method of decision-making, the facilitator allows team members to individually brainstorm and submit their ideas “anonymously”. Other team members do not know the owner of the ideas. The facilitator then collects all the inputs and circulates them among others for modifying or improving them. This process continues until a final decision is made. In the above example, you can have a facilitator who collects strategies and passes them on to the others without revealing to whom the strategy belongs. Later, the facilitator collects the improvised strategies and chooses the best one.

4) Decision trees are diagrams in which answers to yes or no questions lead decision makers to address additional questions until they reach the end of the tree. Decision trees are helpful in avoiding errors such as framing bias. Decision trees tend to be helpful in guiding the decision maker to a predetermined alternative and ensuring consistency of decision making—that is, every time certain conditions are present, the decision maker will follow one course of action as opposed to others if the decision is made using a decision tree.

5)Majority rule - It refers to a decision-making rule in which each member of the group is given a single vote and the option receiving the greatest number of votes is selected. This technique has remained popular, perhaps due to its simplicity, speed, ease of use, and representational fairness. Research also supports majority rule as an effective decision-making technique. However, those who did not vote in favor of the decision will be less likely to support it.