Individual decision-making in organizations : contribution of uncertainty and controversy in China

Document Type

Journal article

Source Publication

Group Decision and Negotiation

Publication Date

7-1-2013

Volume

22

Issue

4

First Page

801

Last Page

821

Publisher

Springer Netherlands

Keywords

Uncertainty, Decision making, Goal independence, Constructive controversy

Abstract

Uncertainty has been thought to challenge the cognitive capabilities of managers and thereby undermine their decision-making abilities. However, managers who experience uncertainty in that they are unsure of the adequacy of their own position may open-mindedly consult with their colleagues in the organization before they make the decision. A sample of 122 Chinese mainland managers described and rated a critical incident when they tried to make a decision. Regression analyses indicated that to the extent that managers initially felt uncertain about the solution they engaged in constructive controversy, i.e. the open-minded discussion for mutual benefit, which, in turn, led to effective decision-making. Cooperative goals further moderated the association of uncertainty with cooperative goals such that the positive association was stronger with less cooperative goals. These results underline the positive role of uncertainty in solving difficult problems, especially under competitive goals.

DOI

10.1007/s10726-012-9294-6

Print ISSN

09262644

E-ISSN

15729907

Publisher Statement

Copyright © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012

Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.

Full-text Version

Publisher’s Version

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Tjosvold, D., Peng, A. C., Chen, N. Y., & Fang, S. S. (2013). Individual decision-making in organizations: Contribution of uncertainty and controversy in China. Group Decision and Negotiation, 22(4), 801-821. doi: 10.1007/s10726-012-9294-6

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