The action cycle of making decisions are action planning, taking action steps, and evaluating outcomes, where the group should reach a consensus on the criteria for evaluation and timetable. There are different methods for group decisions and each method has certain consequences. Dr. Schein(1999) provided us a simplified model for group problem solving which includes problem formulation, proposals for solution, and forecasting consequences of the proposed solution.

The last meeting I have attended was with the graduate and professional student Association. It says that about 56 people attended every week to discuss different activities for pro graduate professional students. The decisions are made with an agreement 56 delegates individually voted as a part of the student government. We follow strict guidelines as a parliament of student government, in each delegate from a different school has a voting right for each bill.

The decision-making process is very complicated where each delegate has to come up with their bill, and all 55 delegates have to agree, and the bill has to pass with a majority of votes like the national government. We encourage diversity and inclusion and always make sure our decision is aligned with graduate and professional students’ needs. We practice the group thinking process, which often results in lengthy discussions.

Unfortunately, no method has been established to evaluate the outcome. we use money from student account fees and try our best to serve the graduate and professional community. It is often a dysfunctional group of people, mostly arguing, and most people often follow the voice with power. A proper evaluation method would make the discussion more effective.

 

Reference: Schein, E. (1999). Process consultation: Its role in organization development (2nd ed.). Addison-Wesley.