From the excellent book Wisdom of Crowds by James Suroweicki:
Collective decision making is often confused with a quest for consensus. But they are different. Here’s how they contrast:
Consensus | Collective Decision Making |
---|---|
Encourages lowest-common-denominator solutions which offend no one. | Encourages the free exchange of conflicting views, which excites everyone. |
Tends to stick with the familiar and squelch provocative debate. | Explores the unfamiliar and stimulates provocative debate. |
“Can’t we all get along” approach. | “Promote diversity” approach. |
Watered-down solutions. | Innovative solutions. |
Keep your real opinions to yourself. | Express your real opinions |