Decisionmaking in Teams

1
Decision-making in Teams

• Strategies for
• Optimal
• Team Decision-making

2
Decision-Making Process

• Rational Decision-making
• Recognize and define the problem
• Identify decision criteria
• Weigh the criteria
• Generate alternatives
• Rate each alternative on each criterion
• Compute the optimal decision
• Evaluate results
• Consensus
• Achieved when all team members can support a
  decision, even if they favor another alternative

3
Team Decision-Making

• Benefits of team decisions
• Team versus individual
• When use a team?
• When can individuals within the team make their
  own decisions?
• Potential problems with team
  decision-making
• Polarization (risky and cautious shift)
• Commitment and trying to avoid disagreement
• Potential for Groupthink
• Ethical Decisions

4
Groupthink

• Definition
• When the norm for consensus overrides the
  realistic appraisal of alternative courses of
  action.

5
Symptoms of Groupthink

• Rationalization of resistance
• Pressure to conform
• Doubters keep silent
• Group interprets silence for yes

6
Five Variables Related To Groupthink

• Cohesiveness
• Is the group too cohesive?
• Leaders style
• Autocratic versus participative
• Insulation from outsiders
• Limited interaction lower environmental
  awareness
• Time pressures
• Failure to follow methodical decision-making
  procedures

7
Ethical Decision Making in Teams

• Different approaches to decisions
• 1. The self-interest model (rational)
• We act to benefit ourselves.
• Survival of the fittest.
• 2. The honest/altruistic model (irrational?)
• Commitment problems.
• The role of emotions.
• Identifying other cooperators.
• Reinforcing our values and view of ourselves.

8
Ethical Decisions in A Team Questions to Ask

• Why is this bothering me/us?
• How would I/we feel if my/our actions were
  discussed in the newspaper or told to my family?
• Who else matters (in and out of the team)? Who
  benefits?
• Who are the affected stakeholders?
• Is it my/our problem?
• What do others think (in and out of the team)?
• Am I being true to myself?

9
Team Decision-Making Techniques

• Consensus
• Brainstorming
• Nominal Group
  Technique
• Delphi Technique
• Ringi Technique
• Combining Techniques
• Electronic meetings

10
Decision-Making Exercise

• How easy or difficult is it for your team to come
  to a consensus?
• What process can you use to help your team come
  to a consensus?
• What techniques might help your teams
  decision-making in the future?