Group Decision Making

Making a decision in a group is always challenging. If left unchecked, decisions are made on emotional or personality-based foundations, not logic and reason.

The Delphi Method of reaching decisions in a group is an iterative process managed by a facilitator (Mind Tools, 2017).   The idea is that a collection of experts are presented with a problem.  They do not meet, and may not know who the other experts are.  They respond to the question or problem in writing.  The facilitator then compiles the responses and circulates the result to the group.  The panel of experts evaluate the group's responses and respond having considered differing points of view.

Taking the position that there are essentially four decision-making approaches (Meier), the Delphi Method is essentially a consensus approach.  The consensus approach implies that the group discusses the decision until everyone agrees.  It should be used when the results of those decisions are of high importance or buy in by all the parties is critical.  Depending on the personalities involved, it is possible for a consensus not to be reached.  In the consulting style of decision making a single decision maker gathers various points of view, weighs them, and makes a decision.  The idea is the decision maker is guided by experts but has both the authority and accountability to make the decision independently.  A commanding style decision maker is similar except that they do not seek advice.  Lastly, the voting style of decision-making can be viewed as a relaxed version of the consensus approach.  Rather than relying on a unanimous decision, the majority can rule.  The challenge with a voting approach is that many of the parties may not feel obligated to act as a result of the outcome.  It does not foster buy-in and may make many team members feel as though their voice was not heard.  Also, if the voting is done in an open fashion, reasons other than a desire for the best outcome may cloud the participant's votes.

As with many things, there are tradeoffs with the various approaches.  The factors include the importance of team buy-in, how rapid the decision must be made, where accountability falls, and the impact on team morale.

References

Meier, J. D. 4 Decision Making Methods.

Mind Tools. (2017). The Delphi Method: Achieving Consensus Among Experts.   Retrieved from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_95.htm