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There can be advantages and disadvantages in involving teams of people in decision making. Some advantages include; accumulating more knowledge, taking a broader perspective and gaining support by letting individuals participate in the process.

Some of the disadvantages in group decision making include often a slower time to get a decision, a necessity for compromise which results in a less than optimal outcome and the potential for an individual or clique to dominate the group, negating its original benefit.

One difficult decision in itself for a manager or business owner is determining when to engage a group, and the extent to engage a group to help make a decision or whether to go alone and make a decision individually.

As the advantages and disadvantages can be different for different situations, there are tools available to assist you in determining, if, when and how to make group decisions.

One such tool is the Vroom-Jago decision model.  The model begins by analysing individual situations with questions including;

• As the leader, do you have enough information of your own to make a good decision?
• Is the problem structured in that it is clearly defined, organised and has recognised solutions?
• Do the members of the group have to accept this decision for it to work?
• If you make this decision yourself, are you sure the group will accept it?
• Are the group members aligned with the same goals that you are trying to achieve?
• Is disagreement likely among group members in reaching a decision?

If it is determined that a group decision is the preferred option, some simple guidelines for the decision making process can help as follows;

• Develop a clear understanding of the problem and the need for a decision
• Develop a clear understanding of the requirements for an effective choice
• Thoroughly and accurately assess all the positive qualities of alternative solutions
• Thoroughly and accurately assess all the negative qualities of alternative solutions

Although group decision making can be effective, it can also have disadvantages such as;

• Social pressure. The pressure to conform to the group can have adverse effects on the creativity of the individual group member.
• Domination by a vocal few. Group members may be ignored and outspoken by members who speak the loudest and longest.
• Goal displacement. The primary objective of making a sound decision may be affected by a member's personal considerations such as winning an argument, or getting back at another group member.
• Groupthink. Groupthink occurs when group members try to minimise conflict and want to remain within the comfort zone of the group's consensus thinking. Creativity and independent thinking are usually the first things to be sacrificed, resulting in poor quality decisions.