Many types of decision making models can be studied and used by teams. Understanding decision making models allows teams to make intentional choices about which model might be most appropriate for the various decisions that they confront.
Individuals benefit from understanding decision models by becoming aware of how cognitive and affective biases can both positively and negatively impact how we work to influence our team on making a decision. Being aware of our biases can limit any negative impact from our biases. The models below describe how we work to affect and manipulate the team decision-making process, sometimes in productive ways and at times in detrimental ways for team decisions.
As a team, understanding decision-making models so that the team can make the best decision is valuable. The “best decision” is described as a decision that (1) would not have been thought of by an individual alone, (2) is a sound solution to the problem, (3) is a decision based upon input, as unbiased as possible, from each team member, and (4) addresses the team’s goal for the decision-making process.
Method 1: Decision made by authority without group discussion
Process: The designated leader makes all decisions without consulting group members.
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
• Takes minimal time to make decision |
• No group interaction |
• Commonly used in organizations (so we are familiar with method) |
• Team may not understand decision or be unable to implement decision |
• High on assertiveness scale |
• Low on cooperation scale |
Appropriate Times for Method 1
• Simple, routine, administrative decisions; little time available to make decision; team commitment required to implement the decision is low.
Method 2: Decision by expert
Process: Select the expert from group let the expert consider the issues, and let the expert make decisions.
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
• Useful when one person on the team has the overwhelming expertise |
• Unclear how to determine who the expert is (team members may have different opinions) |
|
• No group interaction |
• May become popularity issue or power issue |
