Question

relate Egalitarian decision-making Concept to those below;
1. Democratic
2. Authoritative
3. Authoritarian

Answer 1

Egalitarian decision making refers to the process of decision making wherein decisions are made based on consensus among all the group members, and each member is given an equal chance to participate and present their views with regard to the issue on which the decision is to be made.

Relating this concept to the first point, a democracy functions on elected representatives. This means that not all group members participate in decision-making, rather their representatives participate on behalf of specific group members. Hence, democratic decision making is one wherein the chosen representatives voice out the preferred decision of the community that they represent and accordingly reach a consensus among themselves and other people in power and authority. Democratic decision making, as such, may be prone to lobbying. However, it still guarantees a wider representation of ideas and views than authoritative and authoritarian decision-making.

With regard to the second point of being authoritative, this would mean that a leader with immense power dominates the decision-making process. However, this leader is likely to be considered as a suitable person by the other group members for making the decision because on his/her expertise and experience. Moreover, such a leader is also likely to work towards building consensus and support for the decision among the group members, and try to take all of them along.

In contrast, the third point of authoritarian may be considered more similar to an autocratic form of decision-making, wherein the person in power makes the decision without involving or considering the concerns of the group members. Herein, even if there is low support for the decision, the leader will push through the decision simply because he/she thinks that it is the correct one or because he/she wants to assert his/her authority. This is the most representative of a top-down decision making style.