The training program for which these materials have been developed is divided into two parts: the first is general, theoretical, and cognitive; the second is specific, practical, and applied to actual situations. The first part provides a highly structured, non-threatening learning situation, and makes extensive use of set exercises; the second…

Defines the cooperative group decision-making process of consensus, contrasts it with voting and compromise, and presents an illustrative situation. Describes individual consensus skills, the role of group facilitator, pitfalls of the process, and use of consensus in educational settings and large organizations. (SV)

A study of a variation on brain-storming problem solving techniques. (CH)

The problem-solving method most often used in problem-solving groups is likely to create relationships among members of the group that will lead to a win-lose solution. To avoid this, members can list conditions they feel a solution must meet before they can accept it. (Author)

Comparisons between trained and untrained groups with respect to their performance on the 12 Angry Men decision making task indicated that trained groups consistently performed more effectively than untrained on measures of decision quality, utilization of superior resources, and creativity. (Author)

The subjects using either the consensus model or the participative decisionmaking model had more correct decisions on the assigned task than did the same individuals deciding alone. (Author)

Describes visualization methods used to design projects intended to improve the quality of life in developing countries, but which are also applicable to group problem-solving situations. Details main stages of a case study. Demonstrates that the techniques improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the problem-solving process and the quality of…

This paper describes a study that compared the use of consensual, nominal, and conventional decision-making techniques in established and ad hoc groups. The impact of the structural interventions on group decision quality and group attitudes is examined and the appropriateness of the techniques in various situation is discussed. Findings of the…

In a project to help all professional members of a junior high school staff improve their group processes, a series of training interventions were spaced throughout the school year to increase their organizational abilities. Two days of a six-day summer workshop were spent in structured game-like exercises designed to increase awareness of…

DAP is the acronym for a set of concepts and procedures that the members of any group can employ to refine their problemsolving skills and bring them to bear on real-life, day-to-day group needs. Based on a particular view of human beings, communication, and the process of inquiry, DAP involves the members of a group in generating and using three…

This article focuses on the following areas of group process: the nature of the task group, the steps taken to reach a decision, and the ways in which a leader can effectively manage the inevitable conflict that emerges within groups as the problem-solving process progresses. (CT)

Outlines some of the principles and conditions of effective library decision making in a group context, drawing on the research and theory literature of management and the psychology of group decision processes. Various decision-making strategies are discussed and 44 references are included. (Author/JL)

The study attempts to specify and verify the decisionmaking processes utilized by groups when faced with a multistage rating task. It is also designed to upgrade group efficacy by introducing some procedural guidelines which group members are asked to follow in resolving differences. This "structured" intervention encourages members to…

Describes E. Frank Harrison's model of decision making and discusses its implications for decision making by librarians and information managers. Questions relating to decision quality, group size, reward and penalty mechanisms, group norms, and the place of information science in the study of decision making are addressed. Nine references are…