Test Your Knowledge

(When you move your mouse over the beige box, the answer will be revealed)

1. Which of the following is true about shared decision making (SDM)?

  1. There is ample evidence that participation in decision making can improve the quality of decisions.
  2. Under certain circumstances, participation can impede effective decision making.
  3. The essence of the SDM model is a contingency approach that matches participation with the nature of the problem.
  4. All of the above.

d. All of the above. As with any leadership model, there is no perfect decision making model for every situation.

2. What are the four rules that enhance the quality of shared decision making?

See pages 118 and 119. These rules are central to effective decision making.

 

3. What are the four rules that enhance the acceptance of decisions?

See pages 119 and 120. These are also critical to decision making. Hang them on a wall in your office.

 

4. What is the Time Rule?

Time is not free. The amount of time used in making a decision is a cost expressed in terms of the loss of attention to other activities.

 

5. What is the Development Rule?

Decision making is a learned skill developed through practice. To empower teachers means to give them the skills to make important decisions.

 

6. What are the five Vroom and Yetton alternative decision styles?

1. Autocratic, 2. Informed-autocratic, 3. Individual- consultative, 4. Group-consultative, 5. Group- agreement.

 

7. What is the function of decision-making trees?

To trace the possible decisions that arise when one follows decision rules. Without them, the analysis can be intimidating.

 

8. What is the Zone of Acceptance (Indifference)?

A two-dimensional construct defined by relevance and expertise. Click your mouse button now to see a graphic model of the Zone of Indifference.

 

9. What is the Commitment Consideration?

After considering relevance and expertise rules, one must consider their commitment. When teachers' personal goals conflict with the schools', it is ill advised to delegate decisions to them. (142)