The Role of Consensus in Business

1644 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Strategic and internal alignment

Understanding consensus and its role in a business
As mentioned earlier in the introduction, consensus is a general agreement that is made within different groups. Consensus is another word for consent, which means to give permission. It is part of the process of decision-making where everyone within the group has a say and agrees to support a decision in the best interest of the business as a whole. Consensus builds a relationship within the workforce and this helps them find a solution that meets the needs of the group and work together to strategically make the best decision suited for the company.

Consensus can work in different surroundings, whether it is a small or a large business, or even in a local community. The end goal is the same for them all, to come to a general agreement within the group, even though the procedure of consensus may differ depending on the size of the business.

How consensus influences business decision-making in the strategic environment
Consensus is a very important part in a business and it is a very powerful process, which can be overlooked. If a company wants to generate high quality decisions and are willing to invest time in creating a plan or a proposal then the company will be assisted from the use of consensus. This allows all group members to be a part of the decision-making process when for example issues are to be addressed.

“Consensus decision-making has a rich history dating back to early Native American societies, as well as the Quaker tradition.” (Extension.umn.edu, 2007)
This quote shows the effectiveness of consensus as it has been used for decades and demonstrates the importance it is for a firm to include consensus decision-making in its plans when a certain change is to be...

... middle of paper ...

...t.com/what.html?page=3

Irvine, D. 2012. 4 Good Reasons Why Culture Is More Important Than Strategy. [online] Available at: http://www.tlnt.com/2012/01/16/4-reasons-why-culture-is-more-important-than-strategy/

Knight, D., Pearce, C. L., Smith, K. G., Olian, J. D., Sims, H. P., Smith, K. A. and Flood, P. 1999. Top management team diversity, group process, and strategic consensus. Strategic Management Journal, 20 (5), pp. 445--465.

Management.Net, �. 2014. Summary of the Strategic Alignment Model by Venkatraman. Abstract. [online] Available at: http://www.valuebasedmanagement.net/methods_venkatraman_strategic_alignment.html (Management.Net, 2014)
Palgrave-journals.com. 2014. [online] Available at: http://www.palgrave-journals.com/jit/journal/v22/n4/images/2000109f2.gif

Wiley, J. 1999. [online] Available at: http://web.cgu.edu/faculty/pearcec/TMT_diversity.pdf

Show More
Related

  • Compare And Contrast Of: Four Stage Team Performance Model & The Drexxler/Sibbet Team Preformance Model

    1499 Words  | 3 Pages

    The group has reached the Norming stage when they begin the second stage. “The team is faced with creating cohesion and unity, differentiating roles, identifying expectation for members, and enhancing commitment. Providing supportive feedback and fostering commitment to a vision are ne...

    Read More

  • Is TiVo Inc. and Its Struggle to Find Success in The Market

    999 Words  | 2 Pages

    Pearce, J.A., & Robinson, R.B. (2013) Strategic Management: Planning for Domestic and Global Competition. (13th Ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. ISBN-13: 9780078029295

    Read More

  • Article Analysis: How Certainty Transforms Persuasion

    975 Words  | 2 Pages

    Consensus: When a person is not sure how to act or what to do, they tend to look at other people to see how they respond. It is well known fact that people tends to follow the majority. This is known as consensus. It can be applied in the organizational and interpersonal settings for instance when rallying a team around an idea.

    Read More

  • Case Study: Panera Bread Company

    1276 Words  | 3 Pages

    Fast Company,(139), 69-70,73,16. Retrieved from Research Library. Document ID: 1870795761. Wheelen, Thomas L. & Hunger, J. David, (2010). Strategic management and business policy.

    Read More

  • A Transactional Communication Analysis of Middle Managers

    1036 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...olution or mutual agreement among others. Both models are a part of this transaction and show the need for systems thought. The results of any message, though, are never complete until another interprets it as intended. Feedback is necessary to confirm receipt of the message, in this case understanding and agreement by a group. In this transaction, the feedback is not only agreement from the meeting, but by what continues thereafter. The feedback of success here appears evident by the lingering conversations after the meeting. The manager’s chats are positive and supportive of the program. It is an optimistic view, with no negative criticism or wrongful interpretations thus far. In this case, it appears resolution is a complete success. This is not always the case. Time and the future shall tell- if managers really can agree.

    Read More

  • Top Competitors in The Personal Computer Industry

    1477 Words  | 3 Pages

    Pearce, J. A., & Robinson, R. B. (2013). Strategic management: planning for domestic & global competition (13th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

    Read More

  • Team Dynamics - Conflict Resolution Strategies

    1188 Words  | 3 Pages

    When dealt with properly, conflict resolution can give rise to a cohesive and productive team. What Is Conflict? Conflict, as defined by Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, is "a competitive or opposing action of incompatibles: antagonistic state or action (as of divergent ideas, interest, or persons), Mental struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs, drives, wishes, or external or internal demands."

    Read More

  • Analysis of McDonalds

    2869 Words  | 6 Pages

    Witcher, B., and Chau, S. V., 2010. Strategic Management: Principles and Practice. Cengage Learning EMEA.

    Read More

  • Leadership Styles: Robert R. Blake and Jane S. Mouton

    862 Words  | 2 Pages

    1.all policies a matter of group discussion and decision, encouraged and assisted by the leader.

    Read More

  • Tyco; Management Planning

    1872 Words  | 4 Pages

    ...T.S., & Snell, S.A. (2009). Management: leading and collaborating in the Competitive World (8th ed.). Retrieved February 13, 2011 from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content/eReader.aspx?assetMetaId=f65d6fdb-d2b7-4710-8429-2e86eeb1129c&assetDataId=2ff3a671-8b6b-4f7d-a5b1-59e8755f8099&assetpdfdataid=a5d9d898-620d-4975-b3af-1957bf8ee4bd.

    Read More

  • How Leaders Inspire and Influence Others

    896 Words  | 2 Pages

    Effective communication encompasses many concepts. For a leader to be effective, one must be able to build relationships between different parties. In order to build a good rapport, one must be able to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of those involved, and within oneself. Acknowledging these differences will allow for a better collaboration between team members. A leader must also have the ability to put conflict resolution theories into practice. Allowing differing points of view may challenge the original idea and will make for a more thorough decision making process. Although this may seem counterproductive, it actually ensures the best possible outcome. One must be consistent in the message presented yet be flexible, approachable and maintain a positive attitude. Allowing for different perspectives to be heard will allow team members to feel valued. This flexibility helps to solidify the concept that everyone is in this together; thus establishing an environment where all team members can have a buy-in. Encouraging team members to voice opinions and give feedback produces an atmosphere of constructive give-and-take; a real t...

    Read More

  • Communications Theory: Group Thinking

    1536 Words  | 4 Pages

    Groupthink is the communications theory that addresses, “ defective decision making on the part of a cohesive decision-making group in which loyalty to real or perceived group norms take precedence over independent, critical judgment” (Redd & Mintz, 2013). The main idea behind the theory of groupthink is that when participants in a group discussion do not want to disrupt the group, they will in turn reframe from suggesting other solutions to a problem. By not contributing other suggestions, better solutions may be overlooked and this leads to poor decision making in general. In order for the best possible solution to be found, participants in the group need to feel like they can ask questions and discuss their own personal opinions and beliefs.

    Read More

  • The False Consensus Effect

    725 Words  | 2 Pages

    In this way, the participants had clear idea about the consequence of each choice so that they would make more insightful decisions. In addition, the sample covered every grade level of high school students and gender with relatively equal distribution. However, the sample were all drawn from students in Xavier High School, which was a biased group, and the situation might differ in other schools. Also, high school students did not represent the whole population of teenagers. Therefore, performing the research with more diversified sample would be necessary for future research to explore the false consensus effect. This research only examined the generality of the false consensus effect; the reasons behind it were not yet investigated. Future research can further the study by looking for the possible causes of the false consensus

    Read More

  • Crime And Law Essay

    1127 Words  | 3 Pages

    Consensus model could be a criminal justice model during which the bulk of voters in a very society share identical values and beliefs. Criminal acts area unit those acts that conflict with these values and beliefs and area unit thou...

    Read More

  • The Importance Of Group Dynamics

    959 Words  | 2 Pages

    Another important aspect in towards positive group dynamics is to make all members feel accepted in spite of any diversity. Trust is an important trait for the survival of a group. More importantly, the likelihood of accomplishing goals increases with maximum trust and confidence. However, numerous personalities with different backgrounds may cause friction while attempting to resolve conflicts or reaching a consensus. These challenging situations can lead to stress and tension amongst the group members, but when successfully resolved they lead to further strengthening of the bonds and the emergence of a more cohesive group. Also certain measures can be taken to avoid certain petty discrepancies right from the beginning. Specific ground rules; code of ethics and conduct should be established that would encourage smooth functioning and efficient target

    Read More

More about The Role of Consensus in Business

Open Document