Dialectic Decision-Making: PH'1L4
If conflict between organized groups is a prominent feature of situations or an organization, then its resolution is critical to decisions required for any achievement.
Commonly found in socio-political settings, in organizations with professionals competing for status (e.g. hospitals), and where industrial relations have a major effect on management. However, any large organization is a breeding ground for distrust and failure to cooperate amongst its groups.
Decision Process & Typical Terminology
Note: The schema is artificial. Typical language is highlighted.
Conceptual Schema | Dialectic Handling |
---|---|
Start |
Acknowledge the conflicts between groups (factions), and get a basis for discussion. |
Explore | Sort out the various protagonists, and their main opposing arguments. |
Develop Possibilities | Debate so as to clarify group values, personal assumptions, and implications of the bids and counter-bids. Work out various payoffs and negotiate. |
Resolve | Settle on a resolution by synthesizing or negotiating a compromise that has all-party support. |
Reiterate | Agree the delimited resolution in detail and document agreement. |
Implement | Delimit and phase action. |
Review | Check that agreement to the resolution is holding. Assess whether the conflicts have been sufficiently resolved. |
Handle Failure | Re-activate debate, and work towards a different compromise; use internal or external mediation or arbitration. |
Reminder of the Schema Principles
Next step:
► Test yourself and read more on decision-making.
► Continue to the Systemicist approach.
► Return to the Summary Table.
Originally posted: 3-Apr-2011