The Importance of Good Decision Making and Problem Solving

Good decision making and problem solving help organizations to effectively solve ongoing issues in the work place. “Decision making and problem solving are among the most important communication processes in organizations” (Shockley-Zalabak, 2009). Just imagine if an organization could not make a decision or solve any problems. The organization would not be able to function and would eventually fail.

Good decision making and problem solving are so important that several phase models have been developed. In my last class Communication Theory, I learned about the three phase models; Tuckman’s Five-Stage Model, Fisher’s Four Phase Model, and Poole’s Alternative: A Multiple-Sequence Model. Tukman’s Five-Stage Model by Bruce Tuckman consist of five phases that groups go through: forming (first stage when groups identify the nature of the task and their relationship to each other), storming (when the group is familiar and can argue a position), norming (when the arguments have been worked out), performing (group is focused on task and gets work done) and adjourning (final stage where groups tie up loose ends and reflect). The next phase model is the Fisher’s Four Phase Model by Aubrey Fisher and the phases are orientation, conflict, emergence, and reinforcement. The last phase model is Poole’s Alternative: A Multiple-Sequence Model by Marshall Scott Poole and it consist of three tracks and they are task, topic and relation tracks. The model that I like is the Tuckman’s Five-Stage Phase Model, because it is easy to follow and I agree with all of the stages. “The major criticism for Fisher’s Four-phase model is that it makes group communication seem too simple” (Trenholm, 2008).

There are several methods for group decision making and problem solving and leader mandate, majority rule, powerful minority, and consensus. The leader mandate is when the leader of a group makes the final decision. The majority rule is when the majority of the group agrees on a decision. Powerful minority is when the group members with seniority make the major decisions. The final method is consensus and it is when all members agree on a decision. “Influenced by culture, the issue at hand, and communication and technical competencies, organizational members choose from among a variety of methods and processes of decision making and problem solving” (Shockley-Zalabak, 2009).

There are several barriers and challenges for decision making and problem solving such as, organizational, task, procedural, and interpersonal areas. Some organizational barriers are organizational silence, organizational culture, and inadequate access to technology. Some task barriers are inadequate descriptions of problems, confusion about responsibilities, process and bad leadership. Some interpersonal barriers are poor leadership and personal conflicts that prevent effective decision making. “What we may not see is that group cohesion-too much or too little-can influence the quality of decisions” (Shockley-Zalabak, 2009).

In conclusion even though everyone may not be satisfied with the outcomes; good decision making and problem solving are extremely important to groups and organizations. In this paper I discussed the importance of decision making and problem solving. I also discussed the methods, barriers and challenges of decision making and problem solving.

References:
Shockley-Zalabak, P. (2009). Fundamentals of Organizational communication:
knowledge, sensitivity, skills, values. (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education.

Trenholm, S. (2008). Thinking through Communication: An Introduction to the Study of
Human Communication. (5th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education.