Question 1
A team can generate larger amounts of information with which it will make a decision using the following ways:
- nominal group technique
In the nominal group technique, all the group members are all physically present, as in a traditional committee meeting, but they operate independently. Each member expresses his idea on paper, and then a facilitator helps the team to arrive on one idea.
- brainstorming
Brainstorming entails arriving at a conclusion for a specific problem by getting ideas spontaneously from the group members.
- subgroups
In this method, a group is divided into two or more teams. Thereafter, each team brainstorms on the same topic.
Question 2: Why each method will ordinarily increase the amount of information available to the team
Firstly, nominal group technique increases information available to the team by taking advantage of each person’s knowledge and experience. Besides, assures balanced input from all the group members present. The various knowledge of the individual members will enrich the information available to the group.
Secondly, brainstorming can play a great role in increasing the information available to a group. It ensures that other group members in a group enhance an idea raised up by a member to create creative solutions. Moreover, it would yield more information if preceded by an analysis of the problem. Besides, as in the case of nominal groups, it also takes advantage of the various individual knowledge of the group members.
Thirdly, formation of sub-groups is also an effective way of generating information. It makes sure that the group generates more ideas by increasing the participation of members. In addition, it eliminates the free rider problem since it ensures the participation of each member.
In conclusion, the group can obtain facts that are more relevant by using the three methods discussed above. Nominal group technique has proved to be more effective in generating ideas for the group. In addition, brainstorming and sub-groups also help the group to generate more ideas that are creative.
Works Cited
Kowitz, Albert C, and Thomas J. Knutson. Decision Making in Small Groups: The Search for Alternatives. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1979. Print.
Luthans, F. Organizational behavior. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Print.
