Member What: Group Decision-Making When Majority Is Not Achieved

PMBOK v8 Definition

The "Member What" concept refers to a group decision-making technique where a block in a group decides, even if a majority is not achieved. This method is generally used when the number of options nominated is more than two. This technique is part of group-based decision-making processes within project management, specifically under the broader category of decision-making tools and techniques.

Why It Matters for the Exam

This concept frequently appears on the PMI exam in questions about group decision-making techniques, particularly when the scenario involves multiple options (more than two) and no clear majority emerges. It is tested in situational questions where the project manager must select the appropriate decision-making method for a group context with complex options.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Definition Core: A block in a group decides, even if a majority is not achieved
• Primary Use Case: When the number of options nominated is more than two
• Key Difference from Majority: Does not require >50% agreement; a block (subset) can decide
• Group Decision-Making Benefit: Taps into broad knowledge base and increases buy-in
• Contrast with Unilateral: Unilateral is fast but prone to errors and can demotivate others
• Common Confusion: Not the same as "plurality" or "majority rule" – a specific block makes the decision
• Exam Trap: Often tested against "unanimity" and "majority" in scenarios with multiple options

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project team is evaluating five potential vendors for a critical software development project. After extensive discussion, no single vendor achieves majority support. The project manager applies the "Member What" technique, allowing a block of three team members who strongly prefer Vendor B to make the final selection decision, even though this block represents less than half of the team.

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Confusing "Member What" with majority rule

  • Reality: Majority requires >50%; "Member What" allows a block to decide without majority

• Trap: Thinking "Member What" requires unanimous agreement

  • Reality: A block (not the entire group) makes the decision; unanimity is not required

• Trap: Applying "Member What" when only two options exist

  • Reality: This method is specifically used when the number of options nominated is more than two

• Trap: Assuming "Member What" is always the best group decision method

  • Reality: It depends on context; unilateral decisions are faster but risk errors and demotivation

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. When should the "Member What" technique be used instead of majority rule?
2. A project team has five options for a development approach. No option receives majority support. Which decision-making technique applies?
3. What is the primary advantage of group-based decision-making over unilateral decision-making?
4. True or False: "Member What" requires the decision block to represent more than 50% of the group.
5. In a scenario with three vendor options and no clear majority, which technique allows a subset of the group to make the final decision?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 5.2 - Collect Requirements (Tools and Techniques: Decision Making – Group Decision-Making Techniques) and Section 11.4 - Estimate Activity Durations (Tools and Techniques: Decision Making)

Note: The exact section reference from the provided PMBOK v8 context indicates this concept appears in the context of decision-making techniques, specifically relating to group-based decision-making when multiple options exist and majority is not achieved.