Instructor Wrap Up - Harris & Sherblom Chapter 9

Decision Making and Problem Solving

This chapter covers the following ideas:
*Decision Making and Problem Solving
*DECIDE: The Stages of Decision Making and Problem Solving
*Context Influences on Decision Making and Problem-Solving Groups
*Benefits of Decision Making in Computer-Mediated Groups

Chapter Objectives:
1). Explain the importance of defining the problem.
2). Discuss internal and external constraints.
3). Identify the process of developing alternatives.
4). Determine what issues must be considered in making the choice or decision.
5). Outline the implementation stage process.
6). Examine the decision-evaluation step.
7). Describe the influences on the decision-making and problem-solving processes.
8). Explain a benefit of computer-mediated group decision making.

The first major section of the chapter covers Decision Making and Problem Solving.  It describes Decision Making as, "...choosing between two or more alternatives to solve a problem."  It goes on to describe Problem Solving as, "...the generation of alternatives aimed at moving from an existing state to a preferred state".

It then moves to describing 6 steps to effective decision making and problem solving:
1). Define:  To do this we have to understand what makes achieving this goal a problem.  What are the obstacles that make it difficult to achieve?

2). Examine: Examine the constraints preventing our achievement of the identified goal.  These constraints are often complex in nature and must be discussed thoroughly to be fully understood.

3). Consider: Consider the possible alternatives for responding to the problem within the constraints.

4). Initial: We make an initial decision after considering the possible alternatives.  It is important that this be only an initial decision, that is open to discussion, reevaluation and change.

5). Develop: Develop a plan of action to implement the decision.  This may be a simple, direct plan, or it may be a more complex set of processes and procedures.

6). Evaluate: Evaluate the results and consequences of the decision.  This completes the feedback loop that informs our decision making the next time.

The next major section of the chapter is DECIDE: The Stages of Decision Making and Problem Solving.  This section expands on the aforementioned ideas.  Read through them carefully to understand each step.  It is not enough to read through the definitions, rather, read each section in depth to fully grasp the concepts and understand the intricacies of each section.
*Define the Goal, Understand the Problem
*Examine the Constraints
*Consider the Alternatives
*Initiate a Decision
*Develop an Action Plan
*Evaluate the Results and Consequences

Context Influences on Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Groups
The book describes this process as follows, "Although the stages of the decision-making process form the structure that shapes it, the interaction among the stages gives the decision-making process its energy.  Making decisions in groups and teams helps us to address the underlying interrelationships of the problems and issues to be resolved by making it possible to examine a problem from multiple and often discrepant perspectives."

It goes on to describe the following sections, which should be read thoroughly:
*Group Composition
*Group Process

The final section covers Benefits of Decision Making in Computer-Mediated Groups
The discussion in this section is exciting to me for obvious reasons.  I teach a number of online classes, and as of next semester I will be teaching 6 classes per semester in an online format.  Go ahead and read over the section, and geek out with me a little bit.  :)