Decision-Making in Civil Society Organizations: A Systematic Social Observation Approach

• In Event: 40420 - Section on Political Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 4: Narrative Politics

Abstract

Decision-making within civil society organizations (CSOs) not only affects how programs and services are designed and implemented, but also impacts the vitality of democracy in surrounding communities. While scholars have long studied how groups of people make decisions, little is known about how decision-making processes unfold in American CSOs. To address this gap, we use systematic social observation to collect quantitative, observational data from decision-making processes in 40 CSOs in a small Midwestern city. Using this data, we describe how often CSOs consider a wide array of options, make a clear choice, maintain cohesion amid dissent, and develop implementation plans. We explain variation in these decision dynamics as a function of the composition of the decision-making group, the rules, practices, and norms governing interactions, and features of the physical space where decision-making occurs. We find low average rates of decision closure in CSOs (16 percent of discussed potential decisions are resolved at that time) but with explicable variation across contexts. Our findings suggest strategies for improving decision-making in CSOs.

Authors

• Julie Ann Beasley, Indiana University

• Matthew G. Baggetta, Indiana University

• Brad R. Fulton, Indiana University