An Investigation in How Six Sigma Project Teams Should Make Rational Decisions in Shared Leadership Environments

Abstract

It is proposed that shared leadership environments have an effect on six sigma team decision-making as well as the methods used to make decisions. It is also proposed that the consensus decision-making method is the technique that is the most effective and related to the fundamental conditions of a shared leadership environment. Furthermore, it is believed that a model of shared leadership decision-making can be developed from the results of these hypotheses. Research has found that a strong relationship exists between shared leadership and team decision-making principles and approaches. As a six sigma team becomes more involved in the shared leadership model, the methods utilized to make decisions change in such a way that the power is more distributed among members; the team moves from a single individual decision method, towards a shared decision method. Review of the relationship between shared leadership and team decision-making techniques has shown that the consensus approach is the most effective in satisfying the fundamental conditions and requirements of the shared leadership model. A model of decision-making in shared leadership environments is proposed for use by teams to determine the type of decision-making method that should be employed as a team's level of shared leadership increases.