First off, why is group decision-making important?
Well, a lot (just about all, if you think about it) of the biggest decisions in society and in business are made by groups: executive committees, governments, even the population in referendums.
What do you mean by followers in this context?
Well, when faced with a decision or a problem to solve, we can dig into the information ourselves, do background research, and come up with an independent decision. On the other hand I can follow the lead of others.
Is this particularly common?
Think of a general election. How many people really analyse government policy and strategy and come up with a personal critical analysis of this? Most people simply follow party lines or people they trust and believe — they are therefore followers.
But surely executive committees in business are better informed?
You have got to be kidding... apologies, sorry, I shouldn’t be so sceptical. Yes in general they are well informed and more critical and thoughtful but they also have their own areas of expertise and lack this in other areas so they need to rely on others’ lead in many situations.
