The Psychology of Quality and More

Voting

Decision-making in groups can be a difficult task and it is easy for the loudest person or the manager to make the decision, with the result that other views are missed and members of the group do not really buy into the decision.

Voting uses the democratic principle to enable all members of a group to agree on a final selection by giving equal selection power to each person. It is usually an acceptable selection method, as it uses a well-understood and fair principle. By accepting the tool, the group members accept the result.

Voting may be done in secret, preserving the anonymity of each voter, or may be public, for example by a show of hands. Although it is often done as a public activity, this can result in individuals being influenced by others, even within friendly peer groups, where later voters typically follow any emerging trend. With a public voting system, people are also more likely to cling to the items for which they voted, reducing the chances of early consensus

Voting is a common route to a 'quick' solution. A danger with this is where an unconsidered vote becomes 'cast in stone' and cannot easily be changed.

See also:

Toolbook chapter: Voting