Page 40 - eBOOK ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR FULL REPORT (eISBN)

b) Weaknesses of Group Decision Making

● Group decisions are time consuming because groups typically take more time to

reach a solution. There are conformity pressures. The desire by group members

to be accepted and considered an asset to the group can squash any overt
disagreement.

● Group discussion can be dominated by one or a few members. If they’re low- and

medium-ability members, the group’s overall effectiveness will suffer.
● Group decisions suffer from ambiguous responsibility. In an individual decision,

it’s clear who is accountable for the final outcome. In a group decision, the

responsibility of any single member is diluted.

Group decisions are generally more accurate than the decisions of the average
individual in a group, but less accurate than the judgments of the most accurate. In

terms of speed, individuals are superior. If creativity is important, groups tend to be

more effective.

4.8 Discussion Question

1. Define group and team.
2. What are the different types of groups?

3. What are the differences between a group and a team?

4. What are the five stages of group development?
5. What are the strengths and weaknesses of group decision making?

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