Group Decision-Making Performance as Influenced by Consensus and Self-Orientation

This study investigated the effects of (1) instructions outlining procedures to be followed in group decision-making and (2) level of self orientation among group members upon the quality of group decisions. Groups receiving consensual instructions systematically performed better than uninstructed groups, however instructed groups utilized about 50 per cent more time in making their decisions. While no significant overall effect was found for self orientation among uninstructed groups high self oriented 'groups' resorted to averaging significantly more often than low groups. The practical implications of the findings are drawn.