For this blog post, I choose two types of group decision-making techniques to write about. During research I learned that group decision-making techniques are different approaches to making decisions in a group setting (Dagher, 2021). To get the best result of any group decision-making technique is to choose one that fits the specific situation, and one that fits well with the group. The technique is not supposed to make things too complicated and time-consuming and should allow each member of the group a voice to be heard. The two types of decision-making techniques I chose to write about are as follows (Dagher, 2021):
- The Delphi Method .
Advantage - this technique is good for making major decisions in a group. Ideas from all team members are generated and compiled so the group leader can break them down into a smaller list of approaches that are possible. After the group leader accomplishes this, the list of approaches is then presented to the team again for consideration. After choices are condensed, a major decision is made by the whole team. This technique makes things easier for the team as they can see the choices in a more organized fashion.
Disadvantage – with this technique, methodological guidelines might not be clear and team members would need to make a solid commitment to be patient when the same questions, or similar ones, is asked multiple times. There is no evidence of reliability with this technique.
- Decision-trees Method
Advantage - this technique is good when different outcomes to decisions should be considered. The decision-tree technique is one of the highest desired techniques because it is visual and easy for team members to follow the outcome of each decision in front of them. This technique starts out with one question which is considered the root of the tree, and then the branches are the many different possibilities. These branches lead to nodes which are called outcomes. One these branches one can ad leaves to mark notes or rules to help with a final decision.
Disadvantage – Although with this technique, it can help team members follow the decision process as it is visual, it does not handle non-numeric data well. Also, if the tree becomes too large ideas might get a little lost. Also, this type of technique means that any small change in data can lead to big changes someone else in the tree structure. Sometimes this technique can be inaccurate. It is best to use this technique for smaller projects that need a different perspective in outcomes than with much larger projects.
The biggest similarity between both methods is that they are both broken down into smaller categories of possibilities to help come to a decision. They are both two of the most common methods chosen. Also, both methods make coming to a decision more time consuming as team members might have a difficult time agreeing to the same decision. The difference between them is that the decision-tree method is more visual than the other method, and this might mean it is easier to follow. The two methods are also different in the way that in the Delphi methods, it is the group leader that breaks down all the ideas into smaller groups of possibilities whereas in the decision-tree methods, everyone has an input into breaking things down.
Reference for Image is below under References
References
Dagher, K. (2021, June 21). 10 of the Most Effective Group Decision Making Techniques. Retrieved from Fellow: https://fellow.app/blog/productivity/group-decision-making-techniques/
Prezi. (2018, November 1). Image from Website. Retrieved from Prezi: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fprezi.com%2Fp%2Fnrguiadpgp9s%2Fgroup-decision-making-techniques%2F&psig=AOvVaw2UQIMlQQSgWdT-Usrzneul&ust=1633132424523000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAs