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