Question

Describe and compare various collection choice rules.

Answer 1

COLLECTIVE CHOICE RULES-

(a) Definition-

Collection/ Collective Choice Rules can be defined as combining or bringing together the interests, opinions and/ or preferences of individuals in a society and reaching a common collective choice or decision over the given alternatives.

(b) Description of various Collective Choice Rules-

There are various systems to collect the opinions and preferences of the individuals of a society. They are given as follows-

• Representative System- Under this system, the individuals cast a vote (ballot system or any other kind of voting system). This system is used when a group wants to select a leader or a group representative who will represent the opinions and interests of the group. The one getting the majority of the votes is selected.
• Consensus System- In this, the group of individuals make a decision together and come to a common conclusion through discussion.
• Delphic polling- In this type of polling, the information of the people participating in the poll is kept hidden or anonymous and supports feedbacks and confidence rating system.
• Ranking Systems- In this, people can rank their preferences. There are various systems which let individuals rank their preference however this system just gives the collective results of the individuals, it does not include decision making.
• Rating Systems- This type of system is usually used for good and services. It enables individuals to rate the product they are using on a given scale.

(c) Comparison-

Out of all the given systems in (b), Rating and Ranking Systems are the least effective in 'Collective Choice Rule' systems as they do not involve group decision making and can be biased.

Representative System is a better system than the Rating and Ranking System, where the majority choice or decision is selected. However, in the case of multiple options, this system is less effective as getting a majority can be difficult.

Consensus system involves collective decision making by the group where everyone's ideas and interests are taken into consideration, thus, making this type of decision-making an effective one, as compared to the above three mentioned.

Similar to the 'Consensus System' is the ' Delphic Polling System.' This system involves full confidence rating and feedback which makes the system one of the most dependable out of all the mentioned systems.

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