Advantages of the Collaborative Process - Two Approaches to Decision Making

Two Approaches to Decision Making

The following table compares two approaches to decision making, inquiry and advocacy.

	Inquiry	Advocacy
Concept of Decision Making	Collaborative Problem Solving	Contest
Purpose of Discussion	Testing and Evaluation	Persuasion and Lobbying
Participant's Role	Critical Thinker	Spokesperson
Patterns of Behavior	Present Balanced Arguments	Strive to Persuade Others
	Remain Open to Alternatives	Defend Your Position
	Accept Constructive Criticism	Downplay Weaknesses
Minority Views	Cultivated and Valued	Discouraged or Dismissed
Outcome	Collective Ownership	Winners and Losers

Prepared by CDTT Inc.
With Thanks to David A. Garvin
and Michael A. Roberto