Building United Judgement
A handbook for consensus decision making
Avery, Michel; Auvine, Brian; Streibel, Barbara; Weiss, Lonnie
Publisher: The Center for Conflict Resolution, Madison, USA
Year Published: 1981
Pages: 124pp Resource Type: Book
Cx Number: CX7335
Describes the techniques and skills which groups can apply to make the principles of consensus work effectively.
Abstract:
-
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: Introduction - Why Use Consensus; When To Use Consensus
What is Consensus?
Kinds of Decision-Making Structures
The Inspirational Part: Majority Rule Vs. Consensus
The Cautionary Part: Can Your Group Use Consensus?
Chapter 2: A Step-by-step Process for Consensus
Preparing for Group Discussion
Group Discussion: Building United Judgement
Making the Decision
Chapter 3: Attitudes and Consensus
Attitudes Which Impede Consensus
Attitudes That Support Consensus
The Rewards
Chapter 4: Your Participation in the Consensus Process
Your Contribution
Your Responsibility for Others' Participation
Chapter 5: When Agreement Cannot Be Reached
Background
A Definition of "Blocking"
Deciding Whether to Block
Alternatives to Blocking
When a Decision is Blocked
Chapter 6: Structuring your Meeting
Meeting Phases
Using Agendas
Working Outside of the Meeting
Doing Discussion
Recording and Implementing Decisions
Evaluations
Chapter 7: The Role of the Group Facilitator
What Is A Facilitator?
Sharing Facilitation
Facilitative Functions
Chapter 8: Communication Skills
Listening
Feedback and Criticism
Chapter 9: Working with Emotions
Why Be Concerned About Feelings?
The Sources of Feelings in Groups
Diagnosis: What's Going On?
When Feelings Are a Problem
When Feelings Help a Group
Chapter 10: Conflict and Problem Solving
Guidelines for Responding to Conflict
Creative Problem Solving
Mediation
Chapter 11: Techniques for Group Building
Take Your Group Seriously
Share Responsibility
Encourage Social Interaction
Increase Involvement and Trust
Help New Members Become Part of the Group
Chapter 12: Adaptations of the Process for Special Situations
Formalized Process
Representative Consensus Decision Making
The Majority Rule Escape Clause
The Minority Rule Escape Clause
The "Consensus-Trust" Convention Model
Chapter 13: Common Problems - What To Do About Them
Polarized Factions
Endless Discussion
Low Quality Decisions
Nonparticipation by Some Members
Some Individuals Dominate Discussion
A Group Member Apparently Won't Cooperate
Bibliography
Subject Headings
