Group Decision Making & Problem Solving

• A common occurrence is to confuse Decision Making with Problem Solving. They are two different functions.
• Group Decision making results in reaching a conclusion where the group takes a position, holds an opinion, makes a judgment, or takes an action.
  • A decision may or may not solve a problem.
  • Decision making involves asking the four W questions:
    • Who?
    • What?
    • Where?
    • When?

• Problem solving involves analyzing a problem and developing a plan or course of action to remedy the problem or minimize its impact/damage.
• Problem solving questions a group should ask will include:
  • Why?
  • How?

• Group Decision Making & Problem Solving: Pg. 236

Decision Making:	A judgment the group chooses an alternative.	Ask who, what, where, and when.
	Guilty or Not Guilty Hire or Not Hire Spend or Save	Whom should we invite? What should we discuss? Where should we meet? When should we meet?
Problem Solving:	A process: The group develops a plan. Analyze the problem Develop options Debate pros and cons Select and implement a solution.	Asks Why and How? Why doesn’t our promotional campaign attract students? How should we publicize the colleges new programs?