copyright c 2006 oxford university press 1 chapter 7 solving problems and making decisions problem...

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press

1

Chapter 7

Solving Problems and Making Decisions

Problem solving is the communication that analyzes the problem in detail before decision making

Decision making is the communication that results in a choice


2

Decision-Making Skills

Task skills• Problem recognition and framing, inference

drawing, idea generation, argument

Relational skills• Leadership, climate building, conflict

management

Procedural skills• Planning, process enactment


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Decision-Making Principles

1. Evolutionary process

2. Circular rather than linear

3. Individual-level and group-level influences affect decision making

4. Decisions are made within system of internal and external constraints


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Why Groups are More Effective Decision Makers

Unlikely any individual will have all the knowledge or resources to make an effective decision

Groups provide a greater diversity of perspectives

Group provides the opportunity to test ideas before one is selected and implemented

more


5

Why Groups are More Effective Decision Makers

Quality of group communication affects members ability procedure quality solutions

The social context motivates members to find best possible solution

To take advantage of a group’s strengths, structure or decision making procedures are needed


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Functional Theory of Decision Making

Group decision procedures should help a group1. Thoroughly discuss the problem2. Examine the criteria of an acceptable

solution before discussing potential solutions3. Propose a set of alternative solutions4. Assess the positive aspects of each

proposed solution5. Assess the negative aspects of each

proposed solution


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Why Use Decision-Making Procedures?

Help to accomplish the five functions Overcome problems that routinely arise

during decision making• Unequal participation

• Trouble staying focused

• Pressure to conform

• Inefficient use of time

• Difficulty of balancing task and relational dimensions


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Ways in Which Decision Making Procedures Vary

How group members contribute

How much group members participate

Whether participation is voluntary or forced

Degree of formality


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Decision Making Procedures

1. Standard agenda

2. Brainstorming

3. Nominal Group Technique

4. Consensus

5. Voting

6. Ranking


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Standard Agenda

Linear process of six steps

1. Identifying the problem

2. Analyzing the problem

3. Identifying minimal criteria for solution

4. Generating solutions

5. Evaluating solutions and selecting best one

6. Implementing the solution


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Brainstorming

Helps group generate ideas to improve productivity and creativity

1. State as many alternatives as possible

2. Encourage creative ideas

3. Examines ideas for improvement or combination

4. Accept all ideas without criticism

5. Evaluate ideas after idea generation is complete


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Nominal Group Technique

Independent idea generation phase1. Members silently write ideas

2. Facilitator records ideas

Interactive phase to discuss ideas3. Group discusses each for clarification

4. Vote to narrow number of ideas

5. Discuss ideas that received most votes

6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 until one idea remains


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Consensus

Discussion to achieve agreement to support the group’s decision

1. One member facilitates the discussion2. Facilitator uses discussion ideas to formulate

proposals3. Recorder writes down each proposal4. Throughout discussion, recorder reads

proposals 5. Recorder reads aloud final decision for

approval or modification


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Voting

Group casts votes in support of or against a specific proposal1. Group members discuss to produce clear

proposals

2. Decide how vote will be taken

3. Decide how many votes needed to decide an issue

4. Restate proposal before voting


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Ranking

Reveal member preferences by assigning numerical value to each alternative

1. Discuss ideas to produce clear proposals

2. Each member assigns numerical value to each alternative

3. Sum individual ranks; total for the group

4. Read final decision aloud for approval or modification


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Choosing a Procedure

Select procedure or combination of procedures that:• Meets group’s communication needs

• Satisfies five functions of group decision making

Analyze type of task All member must agree to using a

procedure for benefits to be achieved


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Paradox of Using Procedures

Procedures take time Members may resist using procedures if

they are unaccustomed to using them• Practice can help

• Tailor procedures to group’s needs

• Consider an external facilitator to guide your group the use of a new procedure

copyright c 2006 oxford university press 1 chapter 7 solving problems and making decisions problem...

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