Which of the following is not a characteristic group decision making?

The correct answer is C. Group decision making is usually slower than individual decision making because it involves discussion, coordination and consensus-building, so it is generally less efficient, not more.

The other options describe recognised characteristics of group decisions:

• A: Groups bring together people with different knowledge, experience and perspectives, so greater diversity of views is a recognised strength.
• B: Members who take part in a decision are more likely to accept and support it, which is why participative decisions tend to be implemented more smoothly.
• D: Group decisions are often more effective in quality, since pooled information and mutual scrutiny reduce individual blind spots.

Core concept: this is a standard Organisational Behaviour contrast between the advantages of group decisions (information, diversity, acceptance, quality) and their costs (time, groupthink, domination by a minority). For Mains, it links to participatory governance, such as Gram Sabha decisions or collective cabinet responsibility.

Trap: students pick D as the odd one out because they treat "effective" and "efficient" as the same thing. Effectiveness concerns the quality of the outcome; efficiency concerns time and resources, where groups usually lose.