Managerial Decision-Making Essay Sample

There are a few methods that managers can implement so as to promote an inquiry approach versus advocacy approach within group decision-making efforts. One of the main methods that the manager can implement is the use of constructive conflict. When the members of the group are engaging in rigorous debates and critical thinking, instances of conflict. The manager should then guarantee that the issues that arise from the conflicts are resolved. When the manager encourages the members of the group to express their differences, the underlying assumptions can be resolved.
The second strategy that the manager can implement is consideration. Once the decisions have been made, the manager should ensure that the alternatives that had been provided by the other members are also considered. The manager should be seen by the group members that in the final decisions that the manager makes, there is a perception of fairness in the decisions made. If the members feel that their opinions were fairly considered, then they are more willing to participate.
The third method that the manager can implement is the use of closure. It is the responsibility of the manager to comprehend when to end the decision-making process. In the case of advocacy, if the manager allows the group to make the decision at the earliest possible time or take too long to make the decision, then the decision made can be compromised. The manager should be careful as the advocacy approach can have the impact of group think. This can suppress the full range options of the decision in question. By allowing the other group members to participate, their views can either deepen or broaden the debate.

References

Harvard Business Press,(2008). Making decisions: Expert solutions to everyday challenges.