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Chapter 22
Take Control with Management
Different Solutions for Different Situations
Decision making involves many elements, including the fine art of psychology. Decisionmaking psychology is a valuable tool for managers who take pride in making efficient
decisions that reap great results.
Individuals make decisions every day. The results of those decisions can be traced
back to the decision maker—the only person involved in the process. Group decision
making presents a much more challenging situation due to personality clashes, power
struggles, and hidden agendas. All these challenges make it difficult to find the perfect
solution.
Group decision making can range from “directive” to “participatory” decision
making. Directive decision making is made by a limited number of decision makers in
the group. Participatory methods involve decisions made by all the group members.
Group Challenges
Individual dominance takes place when one person in the group has the authority or
power to make the final decision. Minority influence involves decisions delegated by
larger groups to be made by subcommittees. Majority rule occurs when the group votes
on the alternatives, and the alternative that receives the most votes wins. Consensus
results from group discussion of the alternatives, where every group member can agree
on an option and commit to the outcome.
The best decision-making strategy depends on the circumstances of the situation.
Directive decision making, made by one person and owned by one person, is good when
time is tight and fast decisions are needed. People who are affected by the decision,
especially those decisions with a high level of emotion associated with them, will not
necessarily buy into the solution and make their feelings known through their actions.
Potential trouble is a drawback of directive decision making when the group does not buy
into a decision that they do not own.
The participatory approach increases a leader’s chance of a decision being accepted.
People generally want to be involved with the decisions that directly affect their work.
Knowing that you have control and influence over your working life increases
satisfaction and productivity. For example, research in the caring professions indicates
that offering choice to customers helps speed recovery. The bed-bound patient who is
asked if they want curtains opened or closed, or has a plant to take care of, recovers more
quickly than patients whose treatment and circumstances are entirely managed by other
people.
Group decision making takes more time, requires skilled facilitation, and doesn’t
guarantee success. Group decision making does increase the likelihood of decisions being
owned and acted upon by enough people for a positive change to take place.
Decision-making psychology is based on the idea that involvement gets results. When
a group must deal with the distractions caused by power struggles, personality clashes,
and hidden agendas, reaching an optimal decision becomes more difficult. With effective
decision making and skillful group facilitation, power diminishes over time and personal
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agendas become more transparent. Group decision making is a fine art that requires a
better understanding of individual diversity and the need for participants to take
ownership.
Think Critically
1. When is directive decision making a good choice?
2. Why must individuals in a group take ownership for their decisions?
3. What is a personal agenda?
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