An applied test of the functional communication perspective of small group decision‐making

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the functional communication perspective on small group decision‐making in an applied context. Six task‐achievement functions were examined: (a) establishment of operating procedures, (b) analysis of the problem, (c) establishment of evaluation criteria, (d) generation of alternative solutions, (e) positive evaluations of alternative solutions, and (f) negative evaluations of alternative solutions. Seventeen seven‐person groups from a corporate setting were selected for the analysis. One discussion of each group was recorded and coded for the presence of task‐achievement functions. The decisions of the seventeen groups were evaluated by experts, and two categories were formed: effective decision‐making and ineffective decision‐making groups. The results indicate that effective groups employed significantly more statements that functioned to establish evaluation criteria and more statements that positively evaluated alternative solutions were found in ineffective groups. These findings provide support for a modified version of the functional communication perspective of small group decision‐making effectiveness.