Decision-making: Focus on Consensus
Directive
Authoritative
Consultative
Group participation of individuals
(participative)
Delegative
We make the decision: Consensus Majority, Unanimous
When a decision is made to make a decision through a consensus process, here are some guidelines:
The Pluses
Those involved “buy-in” at least to the point of agreeing not to
block, delay nor sabotage a group or team agreement.
Consensus decisions, once reached, are likely to be implemented quickly
and thoroughly.
Consensus decisions, by their nature, are more likely to be implemented
with less resistance than directed decisions, or those reached in a purely
democratic method such as majority rule.
A consensus decision does not necessarily need all parties to be
enthusiastically and wholeheartedly in favor of a specific outcome.
On the other
hand
Consensus can be, without sincere participation or when decision-making
data is inadequate, a lengthy and frustating process often times concluding
with resignation and little enthusiasm for what is finally decided.
Consensus is
most likely with
Openness and honesty in expressing opinions and beliefs, and a trusting
and respective environment for participants.
Six Level Test
for Consensus
At any time in a group decision-making process, individuals can be asked
to express their consensus positions openly, or anonymously by writing the
level number on a piece of paper with these posted on a white board or flip
chart.
Level 1: Unqualified “yes”
Level 2: Decision is acceptable
Level 3: Can live with the decision, but not enthusiastic
Level 4: Not in full agreement, but won’t block the group decision
Level 5: Don’t agree and will stand in the way of the decision
Level 6: Believe group is not unified, needs more work to achieve
consensus and I will do my part
From Cooperative Workplaces�
Adapted from Conflict Resolution Notes, Vol.8, No.3 January, 1991
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- With all responses at
levels 1, 2 or 3, discussion can end and implementations begin. - If any 4’s or 5’s,
this leads to finding out what conditions would exist to allow them to
go to level 3. - If any 6’s, testing
for consensus is too soon and there needs to be more processing.