DYNAMICS AND DETERMINANTS OF GROUP DECISION MAKING IN PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS: THE CASE OF HARAR AND DIRE DAWA CITIES

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing the dynamics and determinants of group decision making in public organizations, in Harar and DDA. Data were collected from committee members or groups who make decisions either as standing or ad-hoc committee from selected public organizations in Harari and Dire Dawa administrations. A sample of 36 committees was randomly selected and from each committee 3 individuals, a total of 108 respondents were selected again randomly to fill questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometric model. Major findings revealed that group domination by some individuals and top managements interference in group decision making were the most commonly observed challenges of the group decision making. Similarly, challenges like resource inadequacy, past methodology and policy adversely affected group decision making. Moreover, results of econometric model show that group decision making performance is significantly affected by trust among group members, communication, educational level (first degree), work experience and membership. Top managements should not interfere in the group decision making, adequate resources should be provided in order to make quality decision. The group members should trust each other to make quality decisions, there must be effective communications between the group members to make better decision and the committee should not be ad-hoc as they do not make quality decisions. Finally, conclusions and recommendations were presented on the group decision making in the selected study area.