Phase Model of Decision

Making
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 B. Aubrey Fisher
A communication professor at the
University of Utah;
Known for the Phase Model of Decision
Making or the Interact System Model of
Decision Emergence
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 John Dewey’s Pattern of Reflective Thinking

Identify and define the problem.

Investigate the problem.
Generate several possible solutions.
Evaluate the options and choose the best solution.
Test and deploy the solution.
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 Phases in Decision Making

Orientation Conflict

Emergence Implementation
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 Orientation
This is where team members
establish relationships but also
tensions.
In this phase, the problem is
also introduced to the members.
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 Conflict
In this stage the problem is
examined and each individual
tries to convey get into a
solution through their
perspective. 
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 Emergence
During this phase some people
may need to soften their
positions so as not to seem
dominating. Individuals may
need to put the interests of the
team above their own personal
needs and decisions.
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 Implementation
Here all members of the team
need to commit to the
objectives and plans, whether
they agree with them
personally or not.
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 Multiple Sequence Model
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 Marshall Scott Poole
An American communication researcher and
professor of communication at the
University of Illinois.
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 Activity Tracks

1 2 3

Task-Process Relational Topical Focus

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 Task-Process

The people inside the

group will try to set the
goal and will try to figure
out its procedure.
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 Relational

This track has an emphasis

on the interpersonal
relation between the
members of the group.
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 Topical Focus

There can be issues or

concerns that a group
might encounter and
this track focuses on
these issues regarding
the group
communication.
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 Breakpoints
During conversations, the group tends to
shift through tracks. These points where the
group shifts from one point to next is called
break points.
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 “Stay committed to your
decisions, but stay flexible in
your approach.”
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Thank you!
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