How can you choose the best collaborative decision making model?

1 Consensus model

The consensus model is a collaborative decision making model that aims to achieve a high level of agreement and satisfaction among all the participants. It involves a thorough discussion of the problem, the generation and evaluation of alternatives, and the negotiation and resolution of conflicts. The consensus model can foster trust, cooperation, and mutual respect among the stakeholders, as well as a sense of ownership and responsibility for the decision. However, it can also be time-consuming, challenging, and frustrating, especially if there are conflicting interests, values, or opinions, or if some participants are reluctant to compromise or participate.

2 Voting model

The voting model is a collaborative decision making model that relies on a majority or a plurality of votes to determine the outcome. It involves a presentation of the problem, the identification and ranking of criteria, and the selection and voting of alternatives. The voting model can be efficient, simple, and fair, as it allows for a quick and clear decision and reduces the risk of deadlock or domination. However, it can also be divisive, superficial, and unsatisfying, as it may ignore or marginalize the minority views, oversimplify the problem or the options, or create a winner-loser scenario.

3 Delegation model

The delegation model is a collaborative decision making model that delegates the authority and responsibility for the decision to a smaller group or an individual. It involves a clarification of the problem, the scope, and the expectations, and the assignment and monitoring of the delegated task. The delegation model can be effective, flexible, and empowering, as it can leverage the expertise, experience, or creativity of the delegatees, adapt to changing circumstances or needs, or enhance the confidence and autonomy of the decision makers. However, it can also be risky, inconsistent, and disengaging, as it may result in a loss of control, quality, or accountability, a mismatch between the expectations and the outcomes, or a lack of involvement or feedback from the other stakeholders.

4 Consultation model

The consultation model is a collaborative decision making model that solicits and considers the input and feedback of the stakeholders before making the final decision. It involves a definition of the problem, the objectives, and the criteria, and a collection and analysis of the data and opinions. The consultation model can be informative, inclusive, and respectful, as it can gather diverse and valuable information, perspectives, and suggestions, acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of the stakeholders, or enhance the legitimacy and acceptance of the decision. However, it can also be time-consuming, complex, and misleading, as it may require a lot of resources, coordination, and communication, generate conflicting or irrelevant data or opinions, or create false expectations or misunderstandings about the decision process or outcome.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?