Decision Making Flashcards
Define and discuss problem solving and decision making
Problem Solving
- active process that starts with a problem and ends with a solution
- closing the gap between “what is” and “what should be”
- a process that purposefully and constantly re-evaluates
Decision Making
- a purposeful and goal directed effort that uses a systematic process to choose among options
- a cognitive process leading to the selection of a course of actin among alternatives
Resolving a problem and making decisions requires critical thinking (p. 357, Kelly & Crawford).
Problem solving is a process (ex. Nsg process)
Decision making requires you to make a choice between alternatives.
Critical Thinking
A mode of thinking about any subject, content, or problem in which the thinker improves the quality of their thinking” (Kelly & Crawford, p. 349).
A contextual process of thinking ahead, thinking in action, & thinking back (p. 349)
Necessary to make decisions or solve problems
Allows for thinking outside the box
Identify and apply the steps in the decision making process
- Identify the need for a decision
- Determine the goal/outcome
- Identify alternatives with benefits/consequences for each
- Choose an action to implement
- Evaluate the action
Describe strategies for effective decision making
- NOMINAL GROUP ACTIVITY (time consuming)
1.Everyone writes out idea
2.Presentation of ideas on flip charts
Includes advantages/disadvantages
3.Discussion & clarification of ideas
4.Private vote
Solution is the highest ranked idea by greatest number of the group - DELPHI = differs from nominal, involves questionnaire responses not in person
1.Collecting opinions via questionnaires
2.Responses tabulated, analyzed & summarized
3.Disseminated back to group until consensus is reached.
Can be effective with a large group and generates many ideas.
- not meeting face to face
- quantitative, takes emotion out of decisions
- CONSENSUS BUILDING =“an opinion or position reached by a group as a whole”
- Not a stepped procedure
- Coming to a solution that is acceptable
- Not a decision with total agreement by all members however all members need to accept/commit to the decision
- Advantage – all members participate
- Disadvantage – time consuming
Reserve this DM strategy for important decisions that participants will have to live/work with. Need ‘buy in’
Important to note that this does not mean full agreement by the group – it means all group members can live with or support the decision whether or not they totally agree!
- GROUP THINK =Differs from Consensus because the goal of groupthink is to have opinions and decisions valued by 100% of the group
- Group questioning or ideas are discouraged
- Requires a strong leader to encourage all members to think independently
- Opinions are collected by the leader.
- Time allocated to allow members to gather data and reflect
- Disadvantage – hinders creativity
Not a great strategy because it hinders creativity. Goal is for 100% agreement
Describe the advantages and disadvantages to participative decision making
Advantages
-Improves quality of decision by having group involvement.
More ideas generated by a group than individual.
Decisions are more accepted & committed to by participants.
Implementation is easier if individuals are involved in the process.
Disadvantage
-Requires more time.
Unequal power among group members.
Dominant personalities may influence unduly.
Focus is on the group versus the task.
Socializing & camaraderie can slow down the process.
PHASES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT
- Forming = expectations, interactions and boundary formation – curious wanting to know the group members, opinions begin to form and expectations and boundaries begin to form. The group identify is established/envisioned.
- Storming = positions within the group are established, conflict may arise and differences may lead to taking sides. Full of tension but encouraged to find resolution
- Norming = Follows the conflict and resoulution with general understanding towards problem solving. Positions are fully established and folks have a sense of their role/belonging.
- Performing = Progress made towards goal as each member knows their role and are focused on the work. Emphasis is on maintaining good relationships.
- Adjourning = goals met progress reviewed but often closed without a proper review of accomplishments
Describe the relationship between communication and leadership
Leadership is the act or an instance of leading
Needs to demonstrate facilitative leadership
Communication is a tool/skill utilized in & essential for effective leadership
Effective communication and transparency in leadership builds trust within a group
A leader is necessary in a group to assist movement towards a goal (a cheerleader)
Leadership involves a person, a group, & goals
Distinguish between formal and informal channels of communications
Formal
- Downward – top down
- Upward
- Horizontal/Lateral
- Diagonal
Informal 1.Grapevine Ingrained Co-exists with formal lines Info distorted 75% Affects morale Rapid & influential
Intrapersonal communication = self talk
Interpersonal communication = communicating with others
Organizational communication = formal structure with an established person in change and various levels or personnel and departments (FHA)
Informal communication such as Grapevine exists in any work/group setting!
Outline strategies for communicating with difficult people
CRITICIZER
-do not argue, ask for input and practice active listening by reflecting on what you hear. Give criticizer a project to which they can directly contribute
PASSIVE
-engage in communication, ask direct questions, ask for direct responses
DETAILER
-allow the detailer to give details at certain points in the meeting. Begin with the objective for the session, repeat information when necessary, and summarize
CONTROLLER
-keep focused on the task at hand; note any inconsistencies in the controller’s conversation
PLEASER
-let pleasers know that their comments are safe from attack and that their opinions are valued
Differentiate between intradisciplinary, interdisciplinary and organizational communication
Intradisciplinary/Intraprofessional = Networking, support, & collaboration within a discipline (ex. Nursing – PCC, RN, LPN)
Interdisciplinary/Interprofessional = Networking, support, & collaboration across disciplines (ex. Nursing, Physio, SW, Physician)
Organizational – Established communication within & outside an organization
Intra – means within
Inter – means between
