Muhammad Meesam Temar

24110253

Decision Analysis

Sir Muhammad Tayyab

Assignment # 1

Question:

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Group Decision Making?

Ans:
Whether it is Group Decision Making or Individual Decision Making, everything has pros
and downsides. The benefits and drawbacks of group decision-making that we uncovered
while breaking the BCPC Case were astounding. I was playing the role of Morgan Jones, the
VP of Finance, and the advantages and drawbacks I met when reaching the Final Decision are
outlined here.
Advantages:
1. While deciphering the BCPC case and debating whether to go for a complete launch
of the HIP, launch it in phases, or not launch it at all, one thing became clear: we had
far too many views and potential solutions to evaluate. When you know every
person's viewpoint on the problem, you may make a more acceptable conclusion that
considers everyone's point of view.
2. In group decision-making, the concept that the whole is greater than the sum of its
parts is apparent. We had all the skills we needed to make the judgment as a group.
Finance was offering their insights, Operations was offering their experience, IT was
offering their abilities, and so on. So, we were in a situation where we could take a
closer look at the problem, which greatly aided us in making our ultimate decision.
3. In group decision-making, you collect information from each member of the group.
Every individual has their own area of expertise and viewpoint on the decision-
making issue. So, we had sales and profit margin predictions given by finance.
Operations conducted its investigation on the launch and determined that we would
require this level of technical support for a full launch. HR supplied us with the
necessary training and workforce to carry out the strategy. As a result, we had a much
larger picture of the process and its implementations. After reviewing the data from
 various departments, the plan's implementation and choice of an alternative appear to
be more straightforward.
4. In group decision-making, decisions are made for the benefit of the organization or
firm for which the group members work. When we initially gathered information on
each department, they presented the choice in a way that benefited their department,
but when you consider every department's interest, you can easily make a decision
that benefits the firm rather than any specific department, which is another advantage
of group decision-making.
5. When everyone's point of view is heard, respected, and valued in group decision-
making, the issues become more evident to all group members. As a result, the
decision becomes more effective and efficient. Every member knows the firm's
position and each department's perspective on the problem. As a result, the general
argument and plans become more precise.
6. When decisions are made in a group context, each group member recognizes that he is
a part of the ultimate decision and that he must execute it effectively for it to
succeed, which increases the team's overall motivation. Everyone in the team
believes they are a part of the decision-making process and should follow the plans to
implement them successfully.
7. All members feel satisfied with their work in group decision-making since they know
they have autonomy and are included in making the ultimate choice. They are content
in that they know the choice is theirs as well and that their voice is significant to the
organization or firm in which they work. As a result, individuals experience
autonomy and job satisfaction while working.
8. Group decision-making increases involvement and the interests of all group
members. Everyone in the group feels included and understands how essential their
involvement is to the company, so they become interested in their job when they
make the decision. They feel a sense of responsibility and understand that the decision
is solely theirs, and the consequences will reflect their performance. As a result,
people become more engaged in their job and participate more actively.
Disadvantages:

1. Groupthink is a phenomenon that happens when a group of people agrees without

using critical thinking or evaluating the ramifications or alternatives. Groupthink is
motivated by a desire to maintain the equilibrium of a group of individuals. It is
 difficult to prevent groupthink when no one in a group act as the "Devil's Advocate."
There was no groupthink in cracking the BCPC case because each department was
correctly evaluating the other departments' comments on the subject.
2. Group decision-making takes a long time since it is difficult to establish an
agreement. Establishing an agreement in a group context is difficult since it is
extremely tough to look at the problem from each member's perspective. As a result,
many time constraints arise when reaching a choice in a group context.
3. There may be moments when there is such a rush that a decision must be carried out
by the group right away, such as in our class assignment. We needed to make a
choice in less than 15 minutes; therefore, departments with more data, such as
finance and operations, were more likely to make the decision, while all other
departments stayed silent and did not have the opportunity to share their thoughts.
4. When members of a group come from diverse positions, most members gravitate
toward the most powerful person in the group. One thing I noticed in our group
assignment was that the team leader was very satisfied with the insights provided by
the VP of Finance without questioning the authenticity of those insights. In contrast,
the directors of other departments provided their insights with proper reasoning, but
the team leader was more inclined towards the recommendations of the VP of
Finance due to his powerful position. Furthermore, other departments, such as HR,
changed their stance after being influenced by the VP of finance.
5. When a group decision is decided under the influence of a single person, the other
group members lose motivation and work satisfaction. They lose motivation and
stop working since they know the decision will never work out for them.
6. Some group members may become confused about their roles during group decision-
making. All members must collaborate to make a solution that will benefit the
company in the near future; however, one downside of group decision-making is that
some group members misunderstand their position in the group and overuse their
authority to control the group and influence the decision.
7. The team leader is in charge of weighing all of the arguments, thoroughly
investigating the problem, and making a conclusion. He or she must listen to
everyone and prefer those who have compelling arguments and facts. Frequently,
the team leader fails to perform his obligations and makes a choice influenced by
someone, which significantly impacts the final decision.
8. Making decisions in a group setting is quite expensive. Making a final decision takes
a long time. It also reduces decision-making efficiency since group decisions need
engagement, argument, and collaboration among group members, all of which are
time-consuming, energy-intensive, and inefficient.
 Work Cited:

Black, Duncan, and Search for more articles by this author. “On the Rationale of Group

Decision-Making: Journal of Political Economy: Vol 56, No 1.” Journal of Political

Economy, 1 Feb. 1970, www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/256633.

“Group Decision Making: Definition, Advantages, Disadvantages, Strengths, Weaknesses,

Techniques.” IEduNote, 1 Dec. 2021, www.iedunote.com/group-decision-making.