Team Dynamics and Decision Making

Factors influencing decision-making in groups

• Social influence: The pressure to conform to group opinion can significantly impact individual decisions.
• Groupthink: When a group prioritizes harmony over critical thinking, leading to poor decision-making.
• Social loafing: Individuals contribute less effort when working in a group, compared to working alone.

Factors affecting group performance

• Consensus-seeking: The focus on reaching agreement can lead to less effective solutions.
• Groupthink: Can result in poor decisions, overlooking risks and alternatives.
• Lack of clear roles and responsibilities: Contributing to confusion and inefficiency.

Consequences of high-stakes discussions

• Stress and anxiety: The pressure associated with high-stakes decisions can hinder rational thinking.
• Polarization: Strong opinions can intensify, making compromise difficult.
• Emotional reactivity: Individuals may respond to pressure with more emotional reactions.

Fostering creativity in teams

• Psychological safety: When team members feel comfortable expressing ideas without fear of judgment.
• Diversity of perspectives: Different backgrounds and experiences contribute to unique viewpoints.
• Brainstorming and collaboration: Facilitates the generation of new and innovative ideas.

Impact of role ambiguity

• Confusion and uncertainty: Members may not understand their responsibilities, leading to miscommunication.
• Decreased motivation: Ambiguity can create a sense of frustration, leading to reduced effort.
• Conflict and competition: Members may compete for resources or recognition, undermining team cohesion.