Here are 4 discussion posts by class mates from the BMGT317 class that need responses. Responses must be APA format, 150 – 200 words, must have at least 1 verifiable/legitimate source, in text citations. Per response Due by Sunday November 10, 2019 @ 2 PM 24 hours.

Initial

Buddy Elsner pg2

The advantages of using a group decision-making process versus individual decision-making process are increased creativity that can come from a group brainstorming effort, the benefit of using everyone’s strengths, and more ideas/knowledge (Lasserre, V., 2015). The disadvantages include more delayed solutions/ideas, less diversity (which can be preferable depending on the situation at hand), and sole responsibility for everything (Lasserre, V., 2015). Individual decision making is better for one’s personal everyday life decisions and smaller, less impactful decisions. Group decision-making is better for decisions that require more broad brainstorming and typically more important/impactful decisions.

References:

Lasserre, V. (2015, June 10). What is more effective : individual or group decision making. Retrieved November 5, 2019, from https://prezi.com/ey8xmcbvujmz/what-is-more-effective-individual-or-group-decision-making/.

Laurens Bias

-Jacob

In this situation, Lauren is likely experiencing a combination of biases. However, I believe ostrich bias is the primary bias affecting her decision-making process. Ostrich bias is a type of bias that occurs when someone believes that ignoring a problem will make it disappear (Practical Psychology, 2016, 4:46). Lauren’s train of thought revolved around her, not wanting to endure the pain of making another group decision. Lauren experienced friction with the other members of the group and believed that it would take an excessively long time to arrive at another resolution. By deciding on her own, she avoids having to deliberate with the group and ensures they do not lose the revenue that Bart’s Office Supplies provides. Lauren may also be affected by overconfidence bias. Overconfidence bias occurs when someone believes their opinions are facts based on past performance (Mind Tools, n.d., para. 21-22). Lauren is the best salesperson in Mudge’s Paper Company. She knows that and is extremely confident in her decision-making abilities. In her mind, she was able to rationalize the new contract by using her past experiences in sales. However, she may also be underestimating the negative aspects of this decision.

-In this situation, Lauren is likely experiencing a combination of biases. However, I believe ostrich bias is the primary bias affecting her decision-making process. Ostrich bias is a type of bias that occurs when someone believes that ignoring a problem will make it disappear (Practical Psychology, 2016, 4:46). Lauren’s train of thought revolved around her, not wanting to endure the pain of making another group decision. Lauren experienced friction with the other members of the group and believed that it would take an excessively long time to arrive at another resolution. By deciding on her own, she avoids having to deliberate with the group and ensures they do not lose the revenue that Bart’s Office Supplies provides. Lauren may also be affected by overconfidence bias. Overconfidence bias occurs when someone believes their opinions are facts based on past performance (Mind Tools, n.d., para. 21-22). Lauren is the best salesperson in Mudge’s Paper Company. She knows that and is extremely confident in her decision-making abilities. In her mind, she was able to rationalize the new contract by using her past experiences in sales. However, she may also be underestimating the negative aspects of this decision.

Mind Tools. (n.d.). Avoiding psychological bias in decision making: How to make objective decisions. Retrieved from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/avoiding-psychological-bias.htm

Practical Psychology. (2016, December 30). 12 cognitive biases explained – How to think better and more logically removing bias [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEwGBIr_RIw

CEO Bias

Amanda Rummel

In the scenario presented, the CEO may have also had the bias of bandwagon effect, or groupthink, when making the same decision, because of the natural conformity of humans that like to agree with the majority, especially if their opinion opposes it (Practical Psychology, 2016). This could be a major issue for the CEO if he or the team do not take into account the other outside factors that could determine Barts’ ability to uphold the contract, which could be overlooked if all deciding members do not have equal say in the decision making process (Kellamis, 2016). The CEO could also experience some of the major downfalls of groupthink, such as direct pressure and self-censorship (Saylor Academy, 2012). Evaluation apprehension is another bias that could occur due to his overall hierarchal effect on the team, which could compress opinions that are relevant to the decision (Adams, 2015).

References

Adams, A. (2015, October 16). How group dynamics affect decisions. Retrieved from https://news.stanford.edu/features/2015/decisions/group-dynamics.html

Kellamis, J. (2016, September). Decisions, decisions: Cognitive bias in individuals, groups and organizations. Retrieved from https://www.ecmag.com/section/your-business/decisions-decisions-cognitive-bias-individuals-groups-and-organizations

Practical Psychology. (2016, December 30). 12 cognitive biases explained – How to think better and more logically removing bias [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEwGBIr_RIw

Saylor Academy. (2012). Decision Making in Groups. Retrieved from https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_organizational-behavior-v1.1/s15-04-decision-making-in-groups.html

Anthony Natalie pg3

Group Decision versus Individual- Tony

The key business points in this scenario center around raising contract sales which directly effects the increased credit limit for Bart’s and extending the payment terms longer. These business points will have big implications for Mudge. Group decisions are much better for important strategic decisions that require critical thinking (Prezi Inc., 2019). Considering that Bart’s is a major purchasing agent, the decision to restructure sales contracts will affect the company for the next year. This is a strategic decision to be made. Group decisions also inspire fairness because team members inputs are taken into account and valued (Larson, 2017). When Lauren takes makes her decision for Mudge alone, she diminishes involvement from her team. She makes assumptions on what is the best course for Mudge based on her limited perspective. She has limited ideas as an individual, compared to the diversity of her group. There is somewhat of a time urgency with a decision deadline fast approaching; however, that does not give Lauren the authority to restructure the original deal (Saylor Academy, 2012). The bottom line is that the group will not only be upset with the commitments Lauren has made on their behalf, they will likely resent her and she may lose her job.

References

Larson, E. (2017, March 23). 3 Best Practices For High Performance Decision-Making Teams. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/eriklarson/2017/03/23/3-best-practices-for-high-performance-decision-making-teams/#1f7e04c3f971

Prezi Inc. (2019). What is more effective : individual or group decision making. Retrieved from https://prezi.com/ey8xmcbvujmz/what-is-more-effective-individual-or-group-decision-making/

Saylor Academy. (2012). Decision Making in Groups. Retrieved from https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_organizational-behavior-v1.1/s15-04-decision-making-in-groups.html