Contrasting Devil's Advocacy and the Dialectic Approach

Using groups to solve problems generally requires consensus, meaning that all members must reach agreement to support the final decision. This activity is important because managers should be familiar with various techniques that can be used to help groups solve problems.

The goal of this activity is to challenge your understanding of two group problem solving techniques$-$Devil's Advocacy and the Dialectic Method.

Determine whether each statement represents Devil's Advocacy or the Dialectic Method.

Gets its title from a practice used by the Roman Catholic Church.

Originated in ancient Greece and is used by the modern U$.$S$.$ court system.

Attempts to identify a truth or best solution by exploring two opposite positions, called antithesis.

Uses a critic whose job is to explore all possible problems and counterarguments.

One person presents his or her critique to the key decision makers.

Managers structure decision dialogue in a group around two opposing viewpoints.