Participative Model of Decision Making

Yes or No Questions

NDM advances a series of seven questions to help leaders determine to what degree they might involve subordinates in decision-making processes. These questions are designed to be answered with either “yes” or “no” responses, creating a decision tree-type framework for determining the most appropriate decision-making style for a particular situation. The following highlights the eight assessment questions:

• 1.
  Is it absolutely critical that the “right” (or high-quality) decision is made? In other words, are the consequences of a “wrong” (or low-quality) decision significant?
• 2.
  Is it critical that subordinates are committed to the decision?
• 3.
  Do you (the leader) possess adequate information to make a high-quality decision on your own?
• 4.
  Is the problem structured in a way that the key issues and potential solutions are clear?
• [Page 578]5.
  If you (the leader) made the decision independently, is it likely that your subordinates would be committed to the decision?
• 6.
  Do subordinates share the organizational goals to be obtained vis-à-vis the decision-making process?
• 7.
  Is it probable that conflict will emerge among subordinates when identifying the right decision?
• 8.
  Do subordinates possess adequate information to make a high-quality decision?

Decision-Making Styles

NDM advances a systematic decision tree-type framework for using the answers to the preceding yes or no questions to determine which style leaders should use in specific decision-making situations. NDM distinguishes five types of decision-making approaches organized into three styles, ranging from autocratic to consultative to group. Generally, an autocratic decision-making style is most appropriate when the leader possesses greater expertise about the problem than others, acting alone is not expected to cause any adverse consequences, subordinates will likely embrace the proposed solution, and there is little time to make a decision. Conversely, a consultative or collaborative style is generally appropriate when additional information is needed to make a decision, the structure of the problem is unclear, subordinate commitment is vital, and the leader has time to facilitate a participative decision-making process. The following describes NDM’s decision-making styles in more detail.

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