If you are a leader of any kind, then decision making is something you have to deal with on a daily basis. Find out here about the types of decision making methods and figure out which one applies to you the most. We will tell you all you need to know about the different types of decision making models and how to determine which one to use depending on the situation.
Most scholars determine four main methods of decision-making:
- Command;
- Consult;
- Vote;
- Consensus.
We will consider each of these types in detail, but we also want to add one more type to this classification. We are talking about delegation. Continue reading to find out why.
Command
The first style we want to mention is command. It is when the leader makes and announces the decision to the others without previously consulting anyone. It is also known as directive or unilateral. In this style, the decision making process lies solely on the shoulders of the leader.
This type of decision-making is often used when there is an emergency, and time cannot be wasted on talking the decision over. It is also possible in situations where the leader is objectively the only one who has the responsibility and required information needed to make a decision.
In order to make this style ‘work’, the leader should be able to explain why they had to come to a decision this way. Even though command involves no consultation, the person in charge should be open to suggestions and criticism, so the decision should not be entirely set in stone.
It is best to not to use this method of decision-making on the permanent basis. Otherwise, the leader might become incredibly authoritative and arrogant.
Consult
This next style comes in two forms: consultative testing and consultative input. The first one involves the leader making a tentative decision and inviting feedback from others before making the final decision. The second one involves the leader asking for input from the others before making any kind of decision.
Consultative testing is most appropriate when the leader knows what they are doing, but they still value feedback from other people. It is close to the command type in a way that leader has all the responsibility and information. However, here, feedback is not a recommendation but a necessary step in making a decision.
Consultative input is best for the situations where the leader might not have all the necessary information, but people around them can offer their knowledge and expertise. It will also work great for the groups that value the same levels of authority and participation. With this method, both the leader and the group participate in the decision-making process, although the responsibility for the final decision still lies mostly on the leader’s shoulders.
Vote
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Also known as a democratic method, this style involves holding a vote in order to determine the best course of action. Everyone in the group has an equal power to vote, which makes all of them ultimately responsible for the final decision. Leader becomes a regular member of the group during the decision-making process.
This style is best when there are many good options, and everyone is okay with any of them winning. It works when time is of the essence, and people cannot spend too much of it on debating and arguing over which decision is the best one.
As everyone has a say in the matter, members of the group should also be aware that their choice might not make it. They need to agree with whatever option wins the vote. If people do not agree with such turn of events, then they should consider the next method.
Consensus
This method requires the participation from all members of the group. For it to be successful, all participants need to come to a decision that will more or less satisfy everyone. Consensus requires spending copious amounts of time on talking things over, but it ultimately leads to making the best decision and to strengthening the group’s unity.
It should only be used when there is no time limit for making a decision. It is the best option for situations when everyone’s cooperation is vital, and the issue in question is important and complex. The biggest fault of this method is that, if not used correctly, it might lead to a huge waste of time.
In order to avoid that, the discussion should be highly structured to save it from turning into meaningless chitchat. It is also important to be aware that the final decision does not have to be loved by everyone. As long as they agree to support it all the way, it should work fine. Nevertheless, it is best to have a backup method of decision-making if things go sideways.
Delegation
We have finally gotten to the final type of decision-making that is not common for the typical classification. Delegation is when the leader authorises someone else to make the decisions.
You might be wondering:
Why have we added it? Well, we think that delegating authority to make decisions is a method of decision-making in itself. The leader makes a conscious decision to give up their authority because they might lack time or knowledge, or because they think that someone else can do a better job out of it.
Yes, we agree that this type might sound a little bit like a cop-out. What kind of leader will give up their responsibilities and authority to anyone else? However, in our opinion, only the best leader can recognise the fact that they are simply incapable of deciding on something and ask someone more qualified to do that for them.
Now you know about all the different types of decision-making. Was this helpful? Have you learned anything new? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear from you!
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Source: Naija.ng