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presents a problem or question, clarifies the rules of
the session and then the group offers ideas. Ideas are
written down so that every member can see them.
Discuss the pros & cons of alternatives and come to a
decision.

Nominal Group Technique. In this technique,
every member of the group given a time to write
alternatives. Then, they report their ideas individually.
Ideas are written on a flip chart, and individuals try
to add to the ideas. In the next phase, group members
vote or rank the ideas privately. With private voting,
strong members of the group can not affect the results.
After voting, the group discusses results and generates
Developing alternative solutions. D e v e lop
more ideas. The idea generation, voting and discussion
number of alternative solutions for the problem.
cycle continues until come to a final decision.
Evaluate alternatives. Soft analysis can be applied
to see the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and Delphi Method. The Delphi method helps the
threats of the each alternative solution. Need to see group reach consensus without the influence of strong
the legal, ethical economical and practical aspects as members of the group and the tendency to rush for
well. a decision at the end of a meeting. In this method, a
questionnaire is mailed to a group of experts; top
Selecting the best solution. On completion the
managers aggregate the results and send a second
evaluation of alternative course of actions, the
best course of action should choose among several questionnaire with the results of the first round. Top
managers make a decision based on the results of the
alternatives as the best decision for address the
rounds.
problem.
Managers at all levels must make decisions on
Implementing the decision. The best decision is
behalf of the particular organization they work. The
taken in this stage.
difference between decisions at various levels lies
Follow up. See whether the decision is practical by in the responsibility they hold. Long-term decisions
follow up the feedback. affecting the organization as a whole belong to the
top management levels while decisions affecting
Group decision making. Group decision
day-to-day operations fall to lower operational level
making is practiced in large organizations to take
management. Middle management direct operational
important decisions in order to avoid personal
level to implement the top level decisions while taking
values, preferences and beliefs of the decision-maker.
structured and unstructured decisions. All decisions
There are prominent techniques that used for group
relate directly or indirectly to broader management
decision making as Devils advocacy, Dialectical
functions: planning, organizing, leading, staffing and
Inquiry, Brainstorming, Nominal Group Technique
controlling.
and Delphi Method.
Devil’s Advocacy. The Devil’s Advocacy
SR Sudusinghe, psc, MSc (D&SS), MSc(Mgt), BA (Gen)
Technique involves a group developing a solid
Lieutenant Commander - NVX 5342
argument for a problem. One member critically
Staff Officer (Media)
reviews the problem and come up with the negative
aspects of the problem. Group will find the lapses
References:
of alternatives, and attempts to show why the
Williams, A.K.(2008) Management: A practical
recommendations should not be adopted.
Introduction. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Dialectical Inquiry. There are two groups that
Decision-making in defence policy (2014). [Online]
have alternative solution for the problem. Each
Available at https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/
alternative of both groups are criticized and try to
cm 201415/cmselect/cmdfence/682/682.pdf
find negative aspects. Top management listens to this
[Accessed 27 November 2018].
dialogue and come to a decision.
Brainstorming. Brainstorming is a popular group https://www.pinterest.com/
decision-making technique that is used for generating https://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/different-
ideas. In brainstorming, the leader of the session
techniques-group-decisionmaking