Form groups of 4 – 6 members and talk about the following in small - group discussions, then report the results of these discussions back to the entire class in a large - group discussion:

1. Thinking about where you work, describe an instance in which top - down processes were used to make a major decision. How quickly was the decision made? Was it the right decision? How well was the decision accepted by those individuals it affected?

2. Next, describe an instance in which participatory processes were used to make a major decision. How quickly was the decision made? Was it the right decision? How well was the decision accepted by those individuals it affected?

3. Finally, describe an instance where delegation was used to make a major decision. How quickly was the decision made? Was it the right decision? How well was the decision accepted by those individuals it affected?

4. Based on your answers to Questions 1 – 3, when are each of the three decision making processes – top - down, participatory, delegation – likely to be most effective? When will each be least effective? What do your answers have to say about the strengths and limitations of participation as a decision - making process?