Unit Two Discussion Board Two
Jack Lilly
Colorado Technical University
CS875: Futuring and Innovation
Dr. Calongne
January 4, 2022
Unit Two Discussion Board Two
Group Decision-Making Methods
There are several different types of group decision-making methods available around the world. Some are more general and can be used in most situations, while others are rather focused and suitable only for specific topics or criteria. Consider how communication in your business has operated before and how a group approach could improve that process. Understanding the discussion requirements is critical to ensure that the correct methodology is employed.
One such technique is the Delphi Method. This method employs a series of questionnaires from a panel of experts with feedback until a consensus is reached (Kosven, E., 2020). Essentially, a topic is presented, and experts weigh their thoughts and polish the answer to its final form. The strength of this method is derived from the selection of the experts, so the proper choice is critical to ensuring accurate results.
A brainstorming session is dedicated to raising potential ideas and solutions to a problem. It has several advantages, such as building teamwork, encouraging critical thinking, and allowing the views of others to be considered (Willkomm, A., 2018). This technique has two substantial pitfalls: participants can be distracted from the overall goal, and not every participant necessarily knows enough about the topic to provide helpful information.
The second method is called the stepladder technique and is quite interesting. This technique facilitates group effectiveness by structuring the entry of members into a group. The first step is the creation of a two-person subgroup that begins the preliminary discussion of the task with another group member joining after a set time. The three-person group then discusses the task for a set time. Finally, the last member joins, and the group arrives at a final solution (Rogelberg & O'Connor, 1998). The discussion evolves with new input from a group member at each iteration, and a final product is realized.
Similarities
The brainstorming session and the stepladder technique possess points of overlap in their discussions. They will work towards a common goal in a concerted effort using all group members. Both methods can generate ideas, depending on the topic of conversation. Additionally, they both lack an explicit mechanism to select group members. Instead, it is implied that members are already chosen and willing to engage in these techniques.
Differences
Although these techniques share many similarities, they are quite different too. A brainstorming session has all members collectively working together from the start, but the stepladder technique purposefully excludes members until a set amount of time has passed. The brainstorming session is less focused on solving a problem and more on generating possible solutions that can be selected later. Finally, the stepladder technique could be quite limiting in progress because not all team members are practicing the method together until the very end.
References
Kosven, E. (2020). The delphi method: uses, do's, and don'ts. ISSSP for Lean Six Sigma. Retrieved December 17, 2021, from https://isssp.org/the-delphi-method-uses-dos-and-donts/
Rogelberg, S., & O'Connor, M. (1998). Extending the stepladder technique: an examination of self-paced stepladder groups. Retrieved from https://orgscience.charlotte.edu/sites/orgscience.charlotte.edu/files/media/Rogelberg%20and%20O'Conno r%20-%201998%20-%20Extending%20the%20stepladder%20technique%20An%20examination.pdf
Willkomm, A. (2018). The importance of brainstorming: benefits & techniques. Goodwin College of Professional Studies. Retrieved December 17, 2021, from https://drexel.edu/goodwin/professional- studies-blog/overview/2018/November/Why-Is-brainstorming-important/
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