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B.7 Group Decision-Making: A group can be defined as two or more freely interacting individuals who share a common identity and purpose. Firstly, a group must be made up of two or more people if it is to be considered asocial unit. Secondly, the individuals must share something in common. Thirdly, interacting individuals must also have a common purpose. Hence, there must beat least a rough consensus on why the group exists. (Kreitner 2000:418). In today's world, a great deal of decision-making is achieved through groups. These interacting groups and teams are the most common form of decision- making
groups with such names as, committees, teams, boards,
task forces, etc. This tendency toward group decision-making,
is due in part, to organisations increased complexity and the large amount of information needed to make sound decisions. Many favour group decision-making, believing it gives those who will be affected by the decision a chance to participate in it and helps to develop the members of the group. Furthermore, the advocates of group
decision-making state that, in this age of rapid technological changes,
pervasive government influence, and social responsibility, the issues to be decided have grown beyond the expertise of a single manager. The input
of many people is called for, since each is unique knowledge and experience. The sharing of decision-making responsibilities establishes interdependence among the parties. Thus, group cooperation is enhanced and the old authoritarian concept of decision-making is reduced. Group decision-making would become particularly appropriate for non-programmed decisions, because these decisions are complex and few individuals have all the knowledge and the skills necessary to make the best decisions. Thus, group decision-making becomes invaluable when they can maximize the unique contributions of each of the individuals making up the group.
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