ABSTRACT
In exploring the effects of making governmental policy in groups, it is appropriate to review the reasons groups are frequently used in difficult problem-solving such as foreign policy. Policy-makers can find psychological and political support in group decision-making. In countries such as Japan and China, as well as the Soviet Union, cultural norms may reinforce the tendency of some policy groups to seek a consensus of all members if substantive disagreement has occurred. When opinions differ sharply in a policy group where unanimity is not required for action, the dynamics of problem-solving can be quite distinctive. Because group decision-making is commonplace in foreign policy processes of most governments, the means of avoiding or correcting any major pathologies associated with that form of policy-making deserves thorough consideration and research. Even though some governmental decisions are taken by leaders or coalitions, the group decision occurs with such frequency as to warrant careful consideration of its effects on foreign policy choices.
