38. The Normative Decision Model (Vroom & Yetton)
Focuses on decision-making styles and processes
Identifies the decision procedures most likely to result in effective decisions in a particular situation
- Focuses on matching the leader and the situational requirements
- The leader adjusts his/her style
Establishes a continuum of decision processes (from autocratic to democratic) and criteria for selecting the best process
Two key criteria to evaluate outcomes
- Decision quality
- Decision acceptance
Four basic decision styles
- Autocratic with no input
- Consult, then make autocratic decision
- Extensive group participation and consensus
- Delegate decision to the group
The problem definition and situational questions
- Is there a quality requirement?
- Does the leader have enough information to make a high quality decision?
- Is the problem clear and structured?
- Is employee acceptance of the decision needed for implementation?
- Would subordinates accept the decision if the leader makes it alone?
- Do subordinates share the organization's goals for the problem?
- is there conflict among subordinates (are they cohesive) regarding problems?
The model is a decision tree that reflects the answers to the questions and leads to the best decision style
Research: in general, research has supported the model. It is the best of the situational theories
Limitations
- Deals only with decision-making, a small component of leadership
- Assumes managers have the skills to use each decision procedure
- Model is complex and difficult to use