Handclasp - a decision made by two members. One member makes a decision and the other supports it without adequate discussion by the group. Majority Rule - a larger segment of the group makes the decisions. Consensus - after much discussion, everyone agrees to support the decision. It takes longer, but the quality of the decision is often greater.
Effective groups produce more ideas than individuals produce independently.
Group decision-making produces a higher level of participation and a more relaxed and open climate. Unfortunately, conflict situations are sometimes unavoidable because people do not always share the same opinions or goals. Below are devinitions adapted from Kenneth W. Thomas and Ralph H. Kilmann which suggest five logical approaches for coping with conflict. Creative thinking is stimulated and people tend to respond well if their work is going to be rewarded. Competition is best utilized if the relationship between the parties is going to be short lived and the end results are the main goal.