 | Term | Definition |
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decision-making constraints |
factors that inhibit effective group decision making, including cognitive, affiliative, and egocentric constraints |
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cognitive constraints |
when a group does not consider all relevant information when making a decision, most commonly because of limited time |
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satisficing |
when a group seizes upon one of the first decision alternatives that meet minimal requirements |
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bolstering |
when group members convince themselves that their quick decision is a good one by emphasizing its advantages and over-looking disadvantages and alternatives |
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affiliative constraints |
when a desire to maintain positive relationships between group members or a reluctance to question powerful members causes members to hold back in decision discussions |
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CYA ("cover your ass") rule |
when members withhold information or opinions that contradict group leaders to avoid retribution and gain leader approval |
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egocentric constraints |
when members withhold information or opinions because controlling or self-interested members control the discussion |
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collective information-processing model |
a model emphasizing that individual members possess unique information relevant to the group decision |
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collective memory |
the combined memory of the group's members, usually superior to the memory of an individual because members remember different things |
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transactive memory system |
the way groups rely on individual members to be the group's memory in regard to particular subject areas |
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brainstorming |
a technique where group members first offer as many ideas as possible without discussion or evaluation, and then discuss the merits of the ideas |
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group support systems (GSS) |
a technique in which group members use computers to interact, often anonymously; intended to increase the number of ideas and reduce normative pressures and groupthink |
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nominal group technique (NGT) |
a technique where group members first brainstorm individually, and are then polled to ensure all ideas are shared |
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Delphi technique |
a way to collect and synthesize the opinions of a group of experts into a decision using a series of written communications |
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groupthink |
theh defective decision making that arises in a cohesive group when members seek consensus before fully evaluating alternatives |
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mindguards |
members who protect the group from receiving information that might shake confidence in their decision; a symptom of groupthink |
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vigilant decision making |
decision strategies intended to reduce groupthink, including a thorouh information search and evaluation of alternatives, and impartial leadership |
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group polarization |
the tendancy for group discussions to amplify members' initial inclinations so that the average inclination of group members is strengthened |
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persuasive arguments explanation for group polarization |
suggests that group polarizations occurs as members hear additional arguments favoring their prediscussion preferences |
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social comparison explanation for group polarization |
suggests that group polarization occurs when members strengthen their prediscussion preferences because they want to be liked and accepted |
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normative decision model |
proposes that how much leaders should consult the group when making a decision depends on decision quality, decision acceptance, and time |
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decision styles |
group member differences in approaches to group decision making |
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Ringi |
Japanese group decision-making techniques that involve everyone in the organization that the decision affects |
