Effective Software Project Management

Decision Making

The first operating rule is the establishment of how the team will make decisions. There are three major types of decision-making models.

Directive

In this model, the person with the authority—the project manager for the project and the activity manager for the activity—makes the decision for all team members. While this approach is certainly expedient, it has obvious drawbacks. The only information available is the decision maker’s information, which may or may not be correct or complete. An added danger is that those who disagree or were left out of the decision may not carry it out.

Participative

In this model, everyone on the team contributes to the decision-making process. A synergy is created as the best decision is sought. Because everyone has an opportunity to participate, commitment will be much stronger than in the directive approach. Obviously, there are additional benefits to team building—empowerment of the team. Whenever possible, I recommend this participative approach.

Consultative

This middle-ground approach combines the best of the other two approaches. While the person in authority makes the decision, the decision is made only after consulting with all members to get their input and ideas. This approach is participative at the input stage but directive at the point of decision. In some cases, when expediency is required, this approach is a good one to take.

Which model to use in a specific situation is generally a function of the gravity and ...