consensus

Examples of consensus in the following topics:

• Techniques for Reaching a Group Consensus

  • Making decisions by consensus is not necessarily ideal or even desirable.
  • Another way to think about consensus is as the absence of objections.
  • One approach to consensus building is the Quaker model.
  • Another formal technique for consensus building comes from the consensus-oriented decision-making (CODM) model.
  • Define consensus and the varying ways in which it can be achieved in a group dynamic

• Diversity Bias

  • Examples include the false-consensus bias, status quo bias, in-group favoritism, and stereotyping.
  • Apply the four false consensus biases commonly identified to the value of avoiding diversity risks in business.

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Group Decision Making

  • A group can make decisions by consensus, in which all members come to agreement, or it may take a majority-rules approach and select the alternative favored by most members.
  • By isolating themselves from outside influences and actively suppressing dissenting viewpoints in the interest of minimizing conflict, group members reach a consensus decision without critical evaluation of alternative viewpoints.

• Social Responsibility Audits

  • Little consensus exists about the definition and use of metrics to evaluate social impact.

• Ethical Decision Making

  • Similarly, decisions with a significant ethical dimension may benefit from being made by consensus rather than by fiat—to demonstrate that the choice is consistent with an organization's espoused values.

• Team Conflict Resolution and Management

  • Mediating approaches bring in a third party to facilitate a non-confrontational, non-adversarial discussion with the goal of helping the team reach a consensus about how to resolve the conflict.

• Group Conflict as a Barrier to Decision Making

  • By isolating themselves from outside influences and actively suppressing dissenting viewpoints in the interest of minimizing conflict, group members reach a consensus decision without critical evaluation of alternative viewpoints.

• Leadership Styles

  • Under intense time constraints, when there is little room to engage in long discussions that seek consensus, a more directive, top-down style may be appropriate.

• Hazards of Teamwork

  • Outcomes can suffer if team members value conflict avoidance and consensus over making the best decisions.

• The Challenge of Diversity

  • On the surface, this consensus sounds like a good thing.