Harvard Business Essentials, Decision Making

A Hybrid Approach

Although open inquiry is the ideal that all decision forums should

seek, some people believe that it is impossible to develop a climate in

which people will not argue in favor of their own opinions or per-

sonal interests. In their view, a practical and realistic solution to this

problem is to seek a balance between advocacy and inquiry.

Using this hybrid approach, group members leave behind their

personal agendas and enter the decision forum with the intention of

acting as unbiased participants. They may advocate for a position

they feel strongly about, but they must also inquire into other view-

points and consider alternatives. The ...