Introduction

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                      WHY DECIDE BY GROUP?


Many groups are formed to solve problems or make decisions. 
Individuals participate because they feel the collective wisdom is
better than an individual point of view.  A compilation of research
supports this opinion.


INDIVIDUAL: Formal leader makes decision without consulting group. 
Common in bureaucracies.

AUTHORITY: Group may originate ideas and hold discussions, but
designated leader makes final decision.  Often found in groups that
function within organizations--businesses, schools, churches,
government.

AVERAGE: Each group member is polled and their opinions averaged by
leader who communicates decision.  Often done on the telephone. 
Similar to majority vote, but there's no chance for group
interaction/discussion.

MINORITY: Legitimate way is the use of executive or ad hoc
committees.  Illegitimate methods are subgroupings (two or more
reach a quick agreement and challenge group) and railroading (force
through a decision).

MAJORITY: 51 percent. Voting. Decisionmaking technique most often
used in this country.

CONSENSUS: A collective opinion by a group with open communications
so everyone feels they had a chance to influence the decision. 
Most effective, highest quality, most time consuming.  Requires
listening and effective communication, objective and logical
arguments, exploration of acceptable alternatives, disclosure of
underlying assumptions and the encouragement of entire group's
participation.

Differences of opinion need to be seen as a way of (1) gathering
additional information, (2) clarifying issues, and (3) forcing the
group to seek better alternatives.


SOURCE: Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, by David
W. Johnson and Frank P. Johnson, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs,
NJ, 1982.

• Lois M. Frey, UVM Extension, RR #4, Box 2298, Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 223-2389, email: lfrey@sover.net
• "Group Development: Creating Group Effectiveness" by Duane Dale, DFD Associates, 99 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-3402 (moving to 764 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01022 after 8/1/98);
• Bob Biagi, 142 Cherry Lane, Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 549-1412;

Comments to: crs@uvm.edu
Reviewed as of 4/20/98