Step 4: Analyse and Agree on Best Solution
The group now has to evaluate and select the potentially best solution for the problem. However before evaluating the potential solutions, the group needs to first establish criteria for judging solutions. The criteria should define general characteristics that a solution should have. One way to help members develop criteria is to ask them to complete sentences that naturally lead to identifying criteria. For example, "The solution should be one that...". Criteria should be objective and preferably measurable rather than emotional. Group members should focus only on those criteria that are needed or desired to solve the problem. Unnecessary criterion needlessly reduces the number of potential solutions.
Weighing the solutions against criteria can be done with various degrees of structure. For a highly structured approach, groups can develop a matrix with each of the criteria listed on one axis and each alternative solution on the other. The criteria can be weighted if some are more important than others. For each solution, each member assigns a score to each criterion based on the extent to which that solution meets the criterion. For example, use a scale of one to ten with ten the highest score. Ask team members to assign a value to each solution based on how closely it meets the criterion. Multiply the ratings for each solution by the weight given to each criterion. Add the products for each solution and write the sum in a total score column. The solution with the highest total score is the group's choice, which possibly means the most agreed upon solution based on group interpretation.
Weighing the solutions against criteria can be done with various degrees of structure. For a highly structured approach, groups can develop a matrix with each of the criteria listed on one axis and each alternative solution on the other. The criteria can be weighted if some are more important than others. For each solution, each member assigns a score to each criterion based on the extent to which that solution meets the criterion. For example, use a scale of one to ten with ten the highest score. Ask team members to assign a value to each solution based on how closely it meets the criterion. Multiply the ratings for each solution by the weight given to each criterion. Add the products for each solution and write the sum in a total score column. The solution with the highest total score is the group's choice, which possibly means the most agreed upon solution based on group interpretation.
Figure 2. Decision Matrix
There are of course more than one method of determining the best solution. Not to say these methods are better or worse, but for a less structured approach, here are other methods that a group might feel is more suitable:
a. Group consensus: all members come to an agreement. b. Majority vote: decision based on the majority. c. Minor process: committee, board of directors makes final decision for group. d. Averaging individual opinion: take opinion of all members and select the most averagely agreed upon solution. e. Expert decision: consult expert opinion on the matter. f. Decision by authority: group leader decides. |
The group has now identified the "best solution" either by the decision matrix or other less structured approach. The next step is to implement the best solution to overcome the problem. Click step 4 to proceed.