In recent years, collaborative decision-making techniques have become popular. Leaders or managers face tough choices that significantly impact the company and team. They need to make effective decisions to ensure the company's success. Collaborative decision-making involves many stakeholders, leading to better decisions.
Collaborative decision-making is at the foundation of the most successful teams. Penn State University suggests that this approach incorporates input from all stakeholders. It involves many individuals considering and agreeing on a course of action before the final decision. Each group has an equal say in the final vote. Generally, the discussion is open-ended, allowing more time to consider options and reducing bias.
Why is Collaborative Decision-Making Important?
Simply implementing a solution does not mean the problem is solved. To truly solve the problem, the solution must be put into action. Effective planning and considering the objectives and factors will drive the solution. So, how can you determine effective strategies and solutions? The answer is collaborative decision-making.
Here are four reasons why organisations need collaborative decision-making:
1. Get unexpected and diverse new ideas
Who can come up with the best solution to a problem? Is it the leader, internal or external team? The key to developing the best and most acceptable solution is ideas from various groups. Collaboration of multiple groups brings different knowledge and perspectives.
In 2014, Vienna launched the Digital Agenda Vienna to discover the use of technology in Vienna. Various experts and the public submitted more than 170 ideas. So far, more than eight ideas have been realised in Vienna. The government says that Vienna lacks ideas and solutions to problems without citizen involvement.
2. Experience is the best teacher
People affected by a problem can offer the best solutions. They provide various life experiences, interpretations and perspectives on the matter. One example is the accidental discovery of tea bags. In 1904, tea trader Thomas Sullivan sent tea samples to his clients in small silk bags. Instead of opening the bag, the client plunges the bag directly into the hot water. And ta-da, tea bags were discovered by accident.
3. Sourcing ideas from the most skilled people
When facing complex problems or challenges, it is important to seek the opinion of experts with vast experience and ideas. Their insights can help resolve issues as they arise. In today's global era, the community is rapidly expanding, making it easier to find experts.
4. Anyone can contribute
Technology has always played a major role in decision-making. In today's interconnected world, almost anyone can collaborate on solutions. Each solution reflects the lifestyle and needs of each person. Don Tapscott, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, says that wikis, blogs, and ideation tools are collaborative decision management. It can be a social tool for making decisions.
What are the Principles of Collaborative Decision-Making?
Collaborative decision-making has key principles to ensure all stakeholders participate in the discussion. Here's a more detailed explanation:
1. Choose a facilitator
Most discussions require a facilitator to achieve the goals and objectives of the discussion. The facilitator will handle things like:
- Gain support and commitment from stakeholders
- Create definitions of failure and success criteria
- Keep the discussion on track
- Encourage teamwork
- Ensuring that the discussion group remains focused on the problem at hand.
2. The process of identifying and limiting problems
The problem identification process helps the discussion group stay on track. Each member or stakeholder must clearly understand the problem or discussion material. Categorise issues that can't be changed, such as rules or problem scope. Then, list the unknowns the user encountered when solving the problem. Identify any uncovered information and document each occurrence of the problem.
3. Find alternative solutions
Focus on what contributed to the problem and invite discussion members to offer their unique perspectives. Use the corporate values and goals to form a solution. Consider all alternatives to the problem to narrow down the options.
4. The process of collecting data
The team must weigh the value of the data collected. Include the essential data in the decision-making process. Facilitators can help the team find a solution that fits the purpose.
The Pros and Cons
Collaborative decision-making has both advantages and disadvantages. It may not be suitable for all problems. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of this method:
Pros
- Quality and decisions improve because many stakeholders are involved. They provide perspectives and experiences that help the process of determining solutions.
- Improved acceptance of decisions because the whole team can provide input. It also makes for a greater commitment to a conclusion.
- There is transparency in the collaborative decision-making process. It can ward off rumours, misunderstandings and suspicion of a decision.
- Build trust in stakeholders. They will consider every idea as a solution to a problem. Trust will lead to better relationships and communication in the future.
- Decisions made together create a greater sense of ownership. It happens because of the direct role in the decision-making process.
Cons
- The collaborative decision-making process is time-consuming. The facilitator must bring together multiple opinions, build consensus and select solutions. This method is not suitable for problems that require a quick resolution.
- The discussion process can be challenging to manage. The facilitator must manage the ideas, opinions and various perspectives of the discussion members. When the organisation chooses the right facilitator, the discussion process will succeed.
- Collaborative decision-making can lead to groupthink. It is a phenomenon where a group prioritises agreement over critical thinking. If it did happen, it could lead to a suboptimal decision of a problem.
- Conflicts and disagreements resulting from collaborative decision-making are common. When the management is ineffective, this discussion process can be a loss of material and time.
- Collaborative decision-making can produce resistance to change. It can happen if many discussion participants disagree with the change.
Conclusion
Collaborative decision-making means involving many members of a group who exchange ideas, perspectives, and feedback on a problem. It allows everyone to have an equal say in making decisions as a team. When done well, collaborative decision-making leads to effective goal achievement. However, if the discussion process fails, some of the negative consequences mentioned earlier can occur. Clear goals are necessary to support successful collaborative decision-making.
