The Decision-Making Process

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Decision-making is a part of life. As individuals, we make decisions all day long, and it becomes so common that we hardly recognize most of them as, actually, decisions. Choosing a cup of tea instead of a cup of coffee is a decision, as is which tie to wear – assuming we wear ties, that is. We rarely spend any time making them and so most seem automatic and unimportant. 

Decisions range from the trivial to the critical but, if you think about it, most fall into the category of the trivial. This does not mean that we do not use, to some degree, a process to make them. 

Here are some approaches most of us use in our individual decision-making:

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Considering Alternatives

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As we discussed last week, the most common way individuals make decisions is to consider alternatives and make a choice. How individuals go about this process defines the extent, and even quality, of the alternatives among which they can choose.

As we discussed last week, the most common way individuals make decisions is to consider alternatives and make a choice. How individuals go about this process defines the extent, and even quality, of the alternatives among which they can choose.

To reiterate, the approaches to individual decision-making that I outlined are:

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Decision Avoidance

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Have you ever known someone who just could not make decisions? Of course you have; we all have. There are some people who just cannot, or will not, make a decision.

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Group Decision-Making: Characteristics of Groups

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We will begin our discussions of group decision-making by looking at various characteristics of groups that affect the decision-making process. This will include their compositions, purposes, interpersonal relationships, personalities, and other factors that affect their capacities for making decisions. These are all a part of what is called “group dynamics,” the way groups actually function.

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Spectrum of Behaviors and Decision-Making Styles

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In the last article, I listed a number of personality types:

  • Dominant – Submissive
  • Assertive – Passive
  • Pleasant – Abrasive
  • Outgoing – Withdrawn
  • Risk Takers – Risk Averse
  • Loud – Quiet
  • Take Charge – Follower
  • Impetuous – Thoughtful
  • Planner – Charge Ahead

This week I want to look at how some of these can either encourage or inhibit good decision-making in groups. Remember, this is my list; behavioral experts may disagree with it.

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Working with a range of personality types and working styles

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Any group of people responsible for any task will be composed of different personalities and styles of working. This applies to any decision-making or problem-solving group as well. Success requires the group to work together despite the differences. This can be a challenge. But, like any challenge, it can be overcome, worked with, and even used advantageously. That is, assuming the group has the will to do so.

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How do groups make decisions?

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In the last couple of blogs, after looking at personality types and working styles of the wide range of members potentially involved in a group decision-making effort, I asked how a group that could be so disparate could make any decisions. In this entry we will look at how decisions typically are made in groups.

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Compromise – Part 1

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In the last blog post I said that compromise was one of my favorite subjects. Here we will begin to explore the advantages and disadvantages of compromise. There are actually many of both but, as you will see, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

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Compromise – Part 2

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Last week, we looked at the first definition of compromise. I will reproduce the full list here for reference:

Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language defines compromise in this way:

  1. A settlement in which each side gives up some demands or makes concessions
  2. An adjustment of opposing principles, systems, etc. in which part of each is given up
  3. The result of such an adjustment or settlement
  4. Something midway between different things
  5. A laying open to danger, suspicion or disrepute, as a compromise of one’s good name, or; to surrender or give up (one’s interest, principles, etc.)

Let’s continue.

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Compromise – Part 3

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The last post ended with the question, “So, why do people use compromise?” Let’s explore that one.

Compromise is, to me, one of those things that has been around for so long that it seems normal. Does it work? That depends on what you mean by “work.” Can it be used to make decisions, come to agreement, and solve problems? Yes. But making the decision or coming to the agreement is just the beginning. What happens next is critical for determining whether the process of compromise “worked.”

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