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Expert System

Back, Introduction, Situation Analysis, Instructions, Technical Background

Goal Alignment

All decision problems have three major components: A present state (i.e., where we are now), a desired state (i.e., where we want to go), and a set of processes (sometimes known, sometimes unknown) by which one can move from the first to the second. It is the desired state, i.e., the goals to be attained in the problem, that is the subject of this situational factor. The judgment required concerns the degree to which the goals of group or team members correspond with the objectives at stake in this problem..

If the goals and values of group members are closely aligned with the organizational goals represented in this problem, select High or Probably High. If you are unsure and/or if group members are liable to be conflicted (i.e., personal interests and organizational interests are at least partially in conflict), select Uncertain. Finally, choose Low or Probably Low if group members' preferences and articulated positions are likely to be dominated by self interest. Note that you are not asked to judge whether you need the goals of group members to be aligned but rather whether the goals of group members are aligned with the objectives that you seek in this problem.

Examples

High
  1. You are captain of a 70-foot sailing vessel. While en route from Maine to the Caribbean, you hear that a hurricane is expected on your intended route. Your crew consists of five experienced sailors.
  2. You are project manager of a group of highly dedicated engineers responsible for a new product, the success of which may be necessary to save your organization from bankruptcy. You are all devastated by early reports from customers that the product is not living up to its promise.
Low
  1. You are responsible for "downsizing" your organization — a course of action which is bitterly opposed by your direct reports.
  2. One of your objectives for the coming year is to achieve a sizeable reduction in travel expenses in your department. The sales executives who report to you have been accustomed to first-class hotels and air travel — a practice that they defend as just compensation for the excess amount of time that they are required to spend away from their families.