Group Decision Types

Group-BASED DECISION design OCCURS THROUGHOUT ORGANIZATIONS

The different types require different approaches.

Decision levels.

Each level produces a different output.

Level

DESIGN

The Strategic why and what - assumptions, goals, actions, and ROI.

PLAN

The Tactical who, when, and where - plans, status, and changes.

EXECUTE

The Operational implementation - task/action-level how.

Decision authorities.

Who forms the design differs.

Authority

UNILATERAL

INFORMED

GROUP

I design.

"I decided."
I design, with input from others.

"I decided."
We design.

"We decided."

Decision variants.

The levels and authorities create nine ways managers make design decisions.  

Authority

UNILATERAL

INFORMED

GROUP

DESIGN

Unilateral Design
Informed Design
Group Design

Level

PLAN

Unilateral Plan
Informed Plan
Group Plan

EXECUTE

Unilateral Execute
Informed Execute
Group Execute

Group Design.

Most future-defining goals and actions are produced using Group Design.   

Authority

UNILATERAL

INFORMED

GROUP

DESIGN

Unilateral Design
Informed Design
Group Design

Level

PLAN

Unilateral Plan
Informed Plan
Group Plan

EXECUTE

Unilateral Execute
Informed Execute
Group Execute

Transfer effect.

A stronger Group Design capability benefits the other variants.

Authority

UNILATERAL

INFORMED

GROUP

DESIGN

Unilateral Design
Informed Design
Group Design

Level

PLAN

Unilateral Plan
Informed Plan
Group Plan

EXECUTE

Unilateral Execute
Informed Execute
Group Execute

Shared response.

Group Design is for situations needing a shared response from people representing different communities, with local interests and knowledge, and group alignment and coordinated action are essential.

The informed workhorse.

Most leaders know the Group Design variant produces better designs - closer fit, more feasible, and greater alignment.

But lacking an efficient, reliable approach, the complexity pushes them toward Informed Design - where they decide after gathering input from others.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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Why does it matter what type of decision I’m making?
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What is the difference between Unilateral, Informed, and Group decision design
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What are the three levels of decisions?
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Why is Informed design not the same as Group design?
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What is the difference between Unilateral, Informed, and Group design modes?
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Why is Group Design the most complex of the nine variants?
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Why do most leaders default to Informed Design instead of Group Design?

Current Approaches

The 3 common approaches to Group Design.
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Group Design Triggers

The 3 events that trigger decision design.
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The GDM Research

Learn about the GDM research and insights.
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