Part 1
Recently a group meeting took place, which involved discussion of matters that influence organizational success. Since the group comprised of inexperienced persons, there were different contributions, which differed for different members of the group. Notably, the discussion aimed at making a decision on the aspects that organizations should consider and prioritize in order to achieve their goals and objectives. The group did not accomplish its task effectively as expected. Three members dominated the discussion by giving contributions and presenting arguments and counter arguments in order to prove a point. The person in charge of the group tried to control the group and maintain order unsuccessfully. This is because the members differed on ideas and opinions and hence did not come to a common decision regarding the best practices to adopt in order that organizations succeed in their mission. My contribution was that in order for organizations to succeed, they must control and manage resources properly. Still, the organizations should consider their operational environments and make decisions based on the prevailing conditions within the environment. Most of the active members did not agree with my perspective and I learned that most did not have the idea that I had. As a result, the group mission went unaccomplished during the discussion session.
Part 2
The Abilene paradox presents the persons involved with a lack of proper choice since they do not understand the inward thoughts of the others. However, it is important to develop and approach that enables one to avoid this paradox effectively. Essentially, where everyone claims to think the same as every other person, one who feels strongly dissatisfied can suggest something new and observe if the others can change their mind (Jerry, 2003). If the new suggestion appears impressive to all the other members, then one can give an explanation against what others approved out of fear to express their opinion. It will be impressive to hear how all the people had the same mind but they feared to speak it out and disappoint the others. This can give the members a new opportunity to open up to others and carefully deliberate on the best option that is indeed acceptable and preferable by all. Therefore, stating one’s own feeling and preference can greatly changes a decision not favored by all to an opportunity to make the right and most suitable decision acceptable by the other members
Part 3
This article explains various aspects involved in group-decision making. Essentially, in a group, there are people who have similar ideas while there are others who might have deeply contrasting ideas. As such, it is important to harmonize the ideas in order to arrive at competent decisions that will enable achievement of goals and objectives of the group (HBR, 2012). The article focuses on identifying the difficulties that emanate from different ideas and opinions held by the different group members. In this regard, the author proposes that all the contributions made by the members require consideration in order to determine by consensus, the most appropriate contributions suitable to solve the issue for which the decision is necessary (HBR, 2012). This article teaches that decision making in groups require that all the members of the group should have a good understanding regarding the special abilities and capabilities of each group members as they have different talents. This will enable them to carry out the decision-making process competently and as a result, they will achieve at the most appropriate decisions.
Work cited
Jerry, Harvey. The Abilene paradox. 2003. Retrieved from, http://www.midwest-facilitators.net/downloads/abilene_paradox.pdf#search=%22%22Abilene%20Paradox%22%22. (Accessed October 8, 2013).
HBR. Making decisions in groups. 2012. Retrieved from, http://blogs.hbr.org/2012/03/making-decisions-in-groups/. (Accessed October 8, 2013).
Leading insight. Group decision making. 2013. Retrieved from, http://www.leadinginsight.com/groups_agree.htm. (Accessed October 8, 2013).
Mind tools. Organizing team decision making. 2013. Retrieved from, http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTED_86.htm. (accessed October 8, 2013).
