group decision making

"One of the tenets of democracy is that everyone has a voice in decision making and that the decisions made are what the majority wants. Many argue that wisdom of the crowd prevails in democracies, but are political decisions actually reached by a clear consensus, or does angry factionalism prevent this? Does irrational mob rule cause people to gang together and lash out against the opposition? Are the majority of citizens satisfied with the political situation? This volume explores whether political organization is possible without the violence of mob rule, as well as how contemporary political events fit into this debate"--Provided by publisher.

A training manual and sourcebook for facilitators, managers, and leaders that offers practical strategies and tips for encouraging full participation, promoting mutual understanding, and helping groups build inclusive, sustainable agreements.

"One of the tenets of democracy is that everyone has a voice in decision making and that the decisions made are what the majority wants. Many argue that wisdom of the crowd prevails in democracies, but are political decisions actually reached by a clear consensus, or does angry factionalism prevent this? Does irrational mob rule cause people to gang together and lash out against the opposition? Are the majority of citizens satisfied with the political situation? This volume explores whether political organization is possible without the violence of mob rule, as well as how contemporary political events fit into this debate"--Provided by publisher.

Looks at the theory that large groups have more collective intelligence than a smaller number of experts, drawing on a wide range of disciplines to offer insight into such topics as politics, business, and the environment.

Explores the power of conversation to bring people together and create positive change in the world, identifies several conditions that promote good conversation, features a selection of quotes and images for reflection, and includes ten short conversation starters.

Argues that large groups of people are wiser, more innovative, better at problem solving, and better at predicting than their most intelligent individual members, and draws from such fields as psychology, military history, ant biology, and economic behaviorism to apply this theory to business and everyday life.