Group will one time or another make decisions on issues that affect them. This may be done as a group or some group member, for example, a sales team which intends to launch a new product in the market. The decisions may included where to launch the product, the strategy to use, how to assign task and so on. If the decisions made are done by all members then it can be a powerful learning experience for group members. However, when not handled carefully, it may be a breeding ground for conflict.
That said, what is the most appropriate way in group decision making? Firstly it is important to set out which decisions is solely a reserve for the leader and those that require group members input as well as those that should solely be made by group member. Highly sensitive issues like safety are best made by leaders and where the leaders disagree; group members can chip in to find best decision. Notably, group decisions can impede on the positive spirit and interaction among groups hence conflict and tension.
This could lead to splitering of team work that the leaders work so hard to achieve. If a decision has the potential to cause such a scenario then its best for leaders to stick to their jurisdiction and make decisions alone. There are 3 distinct decision making strategies namely majority vote, consensus and decision making by authority. All these strategies have pros and cons which leadership should examine carefully and rest on one that yields maximum benefits to group members.
In this case it is consensus. This is because members feel included valued and since all members feel that they can support the decision at the same level, morale is boosted. This requires intensive negotiation, expression of views and all this takes time. Preparation must thus be made to allow sufficient time for this process to go on until decision is reached. Managing conflicts in groups. Conflicts are inevitable and can have positive and negative outcomes depending on how they are managed.
Conflicts arise out of differences in interests, needs, experiences, goals and so on, that are held by individuals or subgroups with in groups. Conflicts are however avoidable if communication and understanding of these diversity is facilitated. Leadership should thus set tone for the group so that al members share a common goal and understand hence eschew conflict it is when personal interest and group interest clash that conflict arises and thus managing conflict requires bringing balance between the two.