5 Human-Powered Solutions for Decision Making

In business there are various methods which exist to facilitate decision making. Follow along, compare and contrast various human-powered methods, in an effort to comprehend how everyone can influence an organization's direction for the future.

Human-powered methods exist to improve decision making in organizations. There are other types of processes, which offer alternatives to the decision-making, but only the human based method offers criticisms at increasing levels. The more alternatives, the higher the criticisms. Some methods increase conflict in a decision-making group. Below are some of the human-based methods commonly used in decision-making?

Brainstorming. Spontaneously generating ideas while deferring critical evaluation to a later time. Brainstorming intends to create a set of alternatives rather than to select a final best one. There are four guidelines to follow: all idea generation is free. Wacky ideas and alternatives are welcome. Second, there are no criticisms of any alternatives. Third, the more the merrier in idea formation alternatives. Fourth, once all the ideas are presented the group engages in finding ways to combine and improve on the alternatives.

Normal Group Technique. Members of the decision making group do not interact or talk to each other. Instead, they each write down their ideas and present them until all have been presented. The group then discusses and decides the most suitable of the alternatives. Delphi method. This human-based method is reserved for the heavy issues and the big problems. It is a structured technique for decision-making that is surrounded by uncertainty.

The Delphi Method. This method lacks a face-to-face interaction and in doing so lessens the opportunity for one member to become dominant. It is a structured sequence of interrelated steps.

Devil's Advocate Technique. This sounds more fun than brainstorming. It begins with either one, or the entire group, advocating one alternative. A second person, or group, plays the role of critic.

Dialectical inquiry. A logical, analytical and structured method of examining alternatives. "Research evidence suggests this technique can also help reach high quality decisions".

Overall, the purpose of human based methods is to harness the energies of the group toward the organization rather than the individuals.