Fostering the Right Climate II

A more realistic and effective technique for arriving at a decision is one that balances advocacy with inquiry.

In a perfect world, decisions would be made using an inquiry approach—an open process in which individuals ask probing questions, explore different points of view, and identify a wide range of options with the goal of reaching a decision that the group creates and owns collectively. In an inquiry mode, individuals set aside their personal opinions or preferences in order to arrive at a decision that is best for the group or organization.

The table “Approaches to decision making’ illustrates the advocacy approach versus the inquiry approach to decision making.
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Approaches to decision making

Advocacy Inquiry
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Concept of decision making A contest Collaborative problem
Solving
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Purpose of discussion Persuasion and Testing and evaluation
Lobbying
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Participants role Spokespeople Critical Thinkers
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Patters of Behavior Strive to persuade Present balanced
arguments

Defend your Remains open to
Position alternatives

Downplay Accept constructive
weaknesses criticism
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Minority views Discouraged or Cultivated and valued
dismissed
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The outcome Winners and losers Collective ownership


While inquiry is an idea, it is seldom met in practice. It is extremely difficult for individuals to discuss ideas or issues without expressing their opinions. A more realistic and effective technique for arriving at a decision is one that balances advocacy with inquiry. Group members leave their personal agendas behind and enter the meeting with the intention of acting as unbiased participants. They may advocate for apposition they feel strongly about, but they also inquire into other viewpoints and consider alternatives. They7 understand that the goal is to find the best solution for the group as a whole, even if it means that some individuals in the group might be negatively affected by the decision. Generally, in sessions that balance advocacy with inquiry, people share information freely and consider multiple alternatives.

ACTION POINT: Balance advocacy and inquiry when making group decisions.