Improving Decision Quality in the Small Group

Abstract

The assumption that the quality of group decisions depends on satisfying certain requisite communication functions underpins much research on small groups. Paradoxically, even when groups are knowledgeable about required functions, interactional and situational constraints can interfere with their use. This study tested whether imposing a reminder function into the group ensures a decision process that optimizes group effectiveness. Results indicate that groups trained in decision processes produce higher quality decisions than do untrained groups but that trained groups with nonleader reminders produce significantly higher quality decisions than do either trained or untrained groups.