Introduction
The Vroom-Yetton-Jago Decision Model (VYJD) is widely accepted as a valuable tool for examining situational leadership. Developed by Victor Vroom, Philip Yetton, and Arthur Jago in the 1970s, the model is equally well-known among management and organizational theorists and practitioners. The model provides guidance on how leaders and decision makers should approach problem solving and decision making depending on the problem (Vroom & Jago, 1988). The model can be applied to any large-scale decision situation, and is useful in understanding group decision-making processes.
The Situation
The company Dodo is facing a challenge in choosing the most effective approach to resolving a major business problem. This problem has been ongoing and complex, and has been aggravated by a lack of consensus among the senior executives about how to solve it. The senior management team has had difficulty communicating ideas and solutions, and it has become apparent that the problem is no longer a situation that can be handled by one person or a small group. The company needs to make a clear and unified decision about how to move forward.
The Analysis
Given the type of decision facing Dodo and the diverse opinions of its senior executives, the VYJD is an appropriate tool for assessing an appropriate course of action. The model provides five decision-making styles that can be applied to a variety of issues, depending on the level of managerial interaction needed and the complexity of the problem.
The first decision-making style is called Autocratic. This style is used when the manager needs to make a quick, unilateral decision with little input from the group. It is best used in situations where time is of the essence and the information needed is already available.
The second decision-making style is called Consultative. This style is used when the manager seeks input from the group, but the final decision rests with the leader. This approach is appropriate when a complex problem has to be solved, but there isn’t enough time or resources for a full-scale team effort.
The third decision-making style is called Group. This style is used when the manager seeks input from members of the group and makes a final decision based on the group’s consensus. This approach is useful in situations where there is time and resource available to solicit and consider input from a wider group of stakeholders.
The fourth decision-making style is called Participative. This style is used when the manager is open to considering multiple different solutions, but the final decision still rests with the leader. This approach is appropriate when a complex problem needs to be solved, and it is desirable to get input from a variety of stakeholders.
The fifth decision-making style is called Delegative. This style is used when the manager wishes to delegate responsibility for the decision entirely to the team. This approach is suitable for situations where the team is capable of making an informed decision, and the manager is comfortable with relinquishing control.
Conclusion
The Vroom-Yetton-Jago Decision Model is an invaluable tool for helping organizations to effectively analyze situations and to determine the best decision-making style to use. Its flexibility and subjectivity make it a powerful framework for any management situation. As the Dodo executives grapple with a difficult business problem, the VYJD offers useful guidance in helping them to choose the most suitable decision-making style to move them in the right direction.