Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in Groups
This text summarizes common characteristics of problems and the five steps in group problem-solving. The reading describes brainstorming and discussions that should occur before group decision-making, compares and contrasts decision-making techniques, and explores various influences on decision-making. The section "Getting Competent" emphasizes the need for leaders and managers to delegate tasks and responsibilities as they identify specialized skills among their teams and employees.
Cultural Context and Decision Making
Just like neighborhoods, schools, and countries, small groups vary in terms of their degree of similarity and difference. Demographic changes in the United States and increases in technology that can bring different people together make it more likely that we will interact in more and more heterogeneous groups.
Some small groups are more homogenous, meaning the members are similar, and some are more heterogeneous, meaning the members are more different. Diversity and differences within groups have advantages and disadvantages.
In terms of advantages, research finds that, in general, culturally-heterogeneous groups have better overall performance than more homogenous groups. Additionally, when group members have time to get to know each other and communicate across their differences, the advantages of diversity include better decision-making due to different perspectives.
Unfortunately, groups often operate under time constraints and other pressures that make the possibility for intercultural dialogue and understanding difficult. The main disadvantage of heterogeneous groups is the possibility of conflict, but given that all groups experience conflict, this is not solely due to the presence of diversity.
Now let's examine how some cultural value orientations we have discussed can play out in groups with
international diversity and how domestic demographic diversity can influence group decision-making.