Using trained "developmental" discussion leaders to improve further the quality of group decisions

Abstract

To test the value of a group discussion technique, 22 students, each leading in discussions 2 groups of 3 persons each, were classified as untrained developmental leaders, trained leaders without prior experience with the case, and trained leaders who had the case previously. Recommendations about the case were given first from the point of view of the company and then from the point of view of the individual under discussion after decisions had been reached. These were compared with the E's preferred answer to the problem. "The results of the study provide strong evidence for the power of the developmental discussion technique for producing decisions of high quality." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)