Consensus

1. Methods of Communication
Prepared by Ms. Foram Patel

2. What Is Consensus?:
*The concept of consensus has become quite a familiar
and desirable means of informal communication, not
only in the political field but also in the world of
commerce and management.

3. *Consensus is a common agreement of opinion on a given
problem among the majority of people in a group or
community. For e.g. the Board Meetings of commercial
organizations take certain decisions through consensus.
Sometimes, a copy of the resolution is circulated among
the members to get their approval. When decisions are
taken unanimously the unity and solidarity of the group is
recognized. It projects a good image of the business house
and the status and reputation of the organization is also
enhanced. It also contributes to raising the morale of the
management, employees, shareholders, customers, etc.

4. *Consensus however does not mean that there exist no
differences of opinion among the members of a group.
Perfect unanimity is neither possible nor desirable.
Consensus does not imply perfect unanimity; it rather
implies that the majority of the people subscribe to a
particular view which all the members are willing to
accept for the larger benefit of the organization.
Opposition or dissent is there but is not expressed for
the sake of organizational unity and harmony.

5. The Consensus Process:
*Consensus involves consultation in which the chief executive
plays a crucial role. First, he can crucially analyze the problem,
collect additional information in order to understand it; he then
tries to find out various ways and means of solving it and thus
begins the process of consultation and consensus. He may
contact individuals or groups for this purpose. In the light of his
discussions with others, an attempt can be made to arrive at a
solution. However, it largely depends upon the chief executive
as to how far the consultations remain focused and to what
extent the suggestions arrived at by consensus are
implemented.

7. Merits of Consensus:
1. Since decisions are taken after consultation, all parties find
it easier to accept them. The consensus process is often
used to bring about agreement between the management
and employees.
2. Consensus communication helps to project a united and
harmonious image of the organization, where employees
have high morale and develop confidence in their
superiors.
3. Unnecessary and undesirable conflicts can be avoided.

8. Limitations of Consensus:
1.The most obvious disadvantage is that a member is
forced to accept a view which he / she may not
support. Often differences of opinion are suppressed
in the name of consensus it can lead to discontent
and dissatisfaction.
2.Very often consensus becomes an accommodation of
various interests. ‘A’ keeps quiet in the interest of
‘B’ expecting that ‘B’ will keep silent when A’s
interests are involved.

11. 3. If decisions are taken through consensus,
subordinates may get a feeling that their superiors are
incapable of taking independent decisions. They may
lose their respect for and confidence in their
management.
4. Subordinates who are regularly consulted may
become over-confident and undermine the authority of
the management.

12. P r e p a r e d by F O R A M P A T E L