Decision Making

The decision that the class had to make was a very difficult one; however, it was very realistic as well. The hardest part was that every single classmate had to agree on the issue. Getting 100% votes is always a task but we did it. I believe that we followed the decision making process step by step. As a group, we knew what the dilemma was. We all had to agree on a single solution. The task was not only hard because we were a pretty large group, but also we all had different grades on the test. Since we all had different grades, each of us looked at the problem in their own unique way, benefiting their own self interests. So the way we went about solving the problem was through generating and quickly evaluating all kinds of solutions. We continuously voted on different approaches and one by one brought our alternatives down to only a few. We decided to take the highest of the two midterm grades (drop the lower one) as well as having an extra credit.

The part where we got into a little trouble was when the second decision was being made. The topic got a little heated, but at least we all decided on something. Our decision was to let the professor structure the next test as he sees fair. This is the most optimal solution because every suggestion had an objection by at least one person. I think, overall we did a great job considering the situation at hand. Each student handled the conflict differently. I handled it in the accommodation approach. I knew that there was no way a decision was being made unless there was understanding and organization within the group. So when the young lady went up to the front of the room and started patiently asking questions, i wanted it to be organized and comprehensive to everyone. That was my personal goal. If she said something that was not understood I would explain it to the individual. If one asked her a question and she would not understand, I would tell her what that individual was trying to say. I was in the very front, so not many people heard me, but I was trying to get involved enough to make sure that everyone was on the same page, which I think helped. I believe accommodation is the best class to go about solving a problem within a large group with a limited amount of time. Avoidance is the least efficient class because people should say how they feel in order to get a sense of the group’s different alternatives. With too many people withdrawing from the situation, the class of people that compete just to win will take advantage of the group, which could end up in a crisis. I think collaborating and compromising are the most beneficial approaches but they require more time to convince and negotiate one another. So if we had more time I would probably pick collaborating, but in our case I think I made the right choice as an accommodator.