How does consensus decision making compare to majority rule in terms of decision quality?

Consensus decision making typically results in better decisions because it involves collaboration and collective input from all parties involved. This process encourages participants to share their perspectives, values, and concerns, which can lead to more comprehensive understanding and consideration of different viewpoints. Because consensus seeks to accommodate the needs and preferences of all participants, it often enhances the commitment to the final decision. This buy-in is crucial, as when individuals feel their voices have been heard and considered, they are more likely to support and uphold the decision made.

In contrast, majority rule can lead to decisions that reflect the preferences of the larger group while potentially sidelining minority viewpoints. This might result in poorer quality decisions, as important insights or concerns may be overlooked. The emphasis on reaching a decision swiftly rather than collaboratively can also lead to surface-level agreement rather than a deeper understanding of the underlying issues. Consequently, for decision quality, consensus is recognized as a more effective approach compared to majority rule.