Chapter 9 Structures and Creative Problem Solving in Groups 1 Group Decision Making a Decision Making and Problem Solving i Decision making involves making a judgment choosing an option and making up your mind about something ii Group decision making results in a position opinion judgment or action iii Problem solving is a more complex process in which groups analyze a problem and develop a plan of action for solving the problem or reducing its harmful effects iv Problem solving requires many decisions v Group decision making generates more ideas and information Tests and validates more arguments and produces better solutions to complex problems vi Problem solving and decision making have to do with the structure spontaneity dialectic vii Decision making 1 A judgment The group chooses an alternative a Guilty or not guilty b Hire or not hire c Spend or save d Voting or consensus seeking 2 Asks who what where and when a Whom should we invite b What should we discuss c Where should we meet d When should we meet 1 A process The group develops a plan a Analyze the problem b Develop options c Debate the pros and cons d Select and implement a solution 2 Asks why and how viii Problem Solving a Why don t mores students vote in student government elections b How should we publicize and persuade students to vote b Decision Making Methods effective groups match the virtues of each method to the needs and purpose of the group and its task i Voting decision 1 Voting is the easiest and most obvious way to make a group 2 No other method is more efficient and decisive 3 It might not be the best because some members win while other members lose 4 A majority vote requires that more than half the members vote in 5 favor of a proposal In a two thirds vote at least twice as many group members must vote for a proposal as vote against it This vote ensures that a significant number of group members support the decision 6 Voting works best when a A group is pressed for time b The issue is not highly controversial c A group is too large to use any other decision making method d There is no other way to break a deadlock e A group s constitution or rules require voting on certain types of decisions ii Consensus 1 A consensus decision is one that all members have a part in shaping and that all find at least minimally acceptable as a means of accomplishing some mutual goal It reflects a sincere effort and willingness to make an acceptable decision that will help the group achieve its common goal 2 3 Consensus works best when members have equal status or where there is a supportive climate in which everyone feels comfortable expressing their views 4 Guidelines a Listen carefully to other members and consider their information and points of view b Don t change your mind in order to avoid conflict or reach a quick decision c Avoid easy ways of reaching a decision d If the group is deadlocked work hard to find the next best alternative that is acceptable to everyone e Get everyone involved in the discussion f Welcome differences of opinion 5 Strategies a Try to be logical rather then emotional b Be open to the opinions of others rather than stubbornly argue for your own position c Hold out rather than giving in especially if you have a crucial piece of information or new argument to share d Remind members that they don t have to agree to a decision or solution they cant possibly support e Avoid techniques such as flipping a coin letting the majority rule or trading one decision for another f Make sure that members not only agree but also will be committed to the final decision g Engage even the quietest member who may have key information or suggestions that can help the group make a better decision h Remind the group that disagreement is natural and can expose the group to a wide range of information and opinions iii Authority Rule 1 Sometimes groups use authority rule in which a single person or an executive group within or outside the group makes the final decision 2 For this method groups gather information and recommend decisions to another person or a larger group 3 Authority rule can have detrimental effects on a group If a leader or outside authority ignores or reverses group recommendations members may become demoralized resentful or nonproductive on future assignments c Decision Making Questions we strongly recommend wording the group s goal as a question for the group to answer A question focuses group members on seeking a specific and realistic answer Choosing a question of fact conjecture value or policy can help your group clarify what members need to know and do in order to make a good decision or solve a problem i Questions of Fact 1 A question of fact asks whether something is true or false whether an event did or did not happen or whether something caused this or that 2 When a group confronts a question of fact it must seek and scrutinize the best information available 1 A question of conjecture asks whether something will or will not ii Questions of Conjecture happen 2 Instead of focusing on what is the group does its best to predict the future 3 Groups should use reputable facts expert opinions and valid data to answer questions of conjecture iii Questions of Value 1 A question of value asks whether something is worthwhile is it good or bad right or wrong moral or immoral best average or worst 2 Questions of value are difficult to discuss because the answers depend on the attitudes beliefs and values to group members iv Questions of Policy 1 A question of policy asks whether a specific course of action should be implemented to address a problem 2 Policy questions often require answers to subquestions of fact conjecture and value v Use All Four Types of Questions 1 Problem solving groups rarely focus on one type of question 2 In many cases a group must address all four types of questions to make a rational decision or solve a complex problem 3 When preparing for a group meeting or discussion make sure you are prepared to share accurate and relevant facts make informed projections support your opinions with strong arguments and offer logical and realistic solutions to a problem 1 Rational decision makers carefully weigh information and options before making a decision They use logical reasoning to reach and justify their conclusions However they must be careful not to analyze a problem so long that they never make a decision ii Intuitive decision maker 1 Intuitive decision makers make decisions