17-01-2013, 10:07 AM
GROUP DECISION MAKING
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In situations when the organization faces a unique problem that cannot be solved by a single individual, the responsibility is entrusted to a group of experts to look at the problem objectively and come up with solutions or recommendations.
The group decision is very appropriate especially for non-programmed decisions. These decisions are complex and individuals may not possess the required skills to make the best decisions. It has been established that group’s decision are much superior and more quality oriented than that could be by individuals. This is because groups can generate more ideas and alternative solutions than individuals.
FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR GROUP DECISIONS
The problem has to be complex and involving risk.
They have more knowledge, better ideas and information.
Each member contributes his might in a healthy competitive spirit.
Employee participation increases resulting in motivation for a good decision.
Acceptability for a group decision is high compared to individual decision.
Brain storming
Brain storming technique involves a group of people usually five to ten members sitting around a table in a classroom setting, generating ideas in the form of free association.
The primary focus in this technique is on generation of ideas rather than on evaluation of ideas. The process also results in generation of large number of ideas so that a unique and creative solution can be found. All these ideas are written on the black board so that everybody can see those ideas and improve upon those ideas.
Nominal group techniques
This is a structured group meeting wherein the members are not allowed verbal communication during the process of generation of ideas. The individuals independently generate ideas first and later on they are evaluated.
The group leader outlines the problem.
Each member writes down his ideas and presents his best idea.
When all members complete the presentation of their best ideas, they are evaluated.
The members rank the ideas and a decision is arrived at using the highest ranked one as solution.
In case of disagreement the procedure is repeated.
DELPHI TECHNIQUE
In this technique, members do not have any face-to-face discussion. A small group prepares questionnaires on the problem and these are given to large number of members for filling up. It is through written communication solutions are sought. These filled question and answers are analyzed to improve the questions and again the process repeated.. Though this technique is time consuming, the members feel insulated from undue influence during face-to-face discussion.
DIALECTIC TECHNIQUE
When you face a situation wherein the solution to the problem is ‘yes or no”, then you employ this technique. Example—to buy or not to buy, to punish or not to punish, to merge or not to merge, to invest or not to invest etc.
FISH BOWLING
This is a reformation of brain storming method. Here the members of the group are advised to sit in a circle leaving one chair in the center vacant. Then either the leader or any one is called to occupy the center chair and give his views of the problem and proposed solution. The other members can ask him as many questions as necessary but relevant ones. The discussion is always between the center and one member at a time only and no discussion between other members is allowed.