1. Processes that Occur in Group Decision Making
Problem Solving
group as a whole
single coordinated response rather than a group of individual responses
an integrative perspective, cooperative
Persuasion
sides trying to convince each other
increased conflict
coalitions of individuals or sub-groups
distributive approach

2. Benefits of Group Decision Making
1) Synergy:
sum of whole is more than sum of the parts
2) Innovation: greater number of approaches
3) Acceptance increases with participation
4) Understanding of decision increases

3. Problems with Group Decision Making
1) Social Pressure
Accept majority view
minority opinions lack influence
2) Social Valence
acceptance of the solution is related to the number of statements made for solution independent of quality
3) Individual Domination
(in leaderless groups) and mere appointment of a leader causes person to dominate discussion
4) Secondary Goal
winning the argument versus finding the best solution

4. Group Polarization
The average group member’s post discussion attitude can become more extreme than the average prediscussion attitude when
1) individuals discover in group discussion that their feelings are shared by others
2) persuasive arguments are offered
3) diffusion of responsibility among group members leads individuals to support a more extreme position

5. Groupthink
Occurs when concurrence seeking becomes so dominant in a cohesive group that it tends to override realistic appraisal of alternative courses of action
Symptoms
1) invulnerability 2) rationalization
3) morality 4) stereotyping
5) peer pressure 6) self-censorship
7) unanimity 8) mindguards