Decision-making, experts say, is important and often mandatory, however, this should include engaging employees in the process.

It can be about restructuring a department’s budget, delegating tasks, or planning a new strategy—but the daily choices managers make have a direct impact on their organisation’s success, even though the decision-making process isn’t always easy.

Martin Nomwesigwa, a business development consultant, says it’s important to note that an organisation is a piece of complex machinery made up of various parts, and for it to run smoothly, it takes all individual parts to work harmoniously.

Therefore, for an organisation to realise positive collaborations, it’s important to involve all necessary players in the decision-making process, and this is why:

Motivation

Nomwesigwa says involving employees in the organisation’s decision-making process can in more than one way motivate staff as they feel like part of the organisation. Motivated employees exhibit increased productivity and more pride in their work.

Sense of belonging

Besides motivation, decision-making creates a sense of belonging in employees as they needed and heard. The feeling that they are recognised for their ideas, suggestions is vital at work, Nomwesigwa adds.

Innovation

"Innovation comes from different places and people, therefore, the culture of involving employees in decision-making helps in building their individual and collective confidence which can then translate into collaborations, consultancy; all good and enabling factors to breed innovation and invention. One of the benefits of an innovative workplace is the increased brand value and brand awareness,” Nomwesigwa says.

Breeds goodwill

Nomwesigwa says that decision-making creates a sense of belonging and involvement, building goodwill in the hearts of employees towards management. This makes it easy for instructions, policies, and procedures handed down from top management to be followed and executed with minimum or no resistance from staff (rest of employees in the organisational structure).

Clear understanding of the company vision

Nomwesigwa adds that when employees are involved and or consulted during the decision-making process, it enables better understanding of the company’s goals and objectives.

Encourages good communication

Nomwesigwa explains that this culture encourages teamwork, individual merit, confidence, or airing out views without fear of being judged or not listened to. Therefore, it builds confidence in employees to not only speak up, but also know when, where, with whom, and how to do so, all of which are enabling factors of successful communication.

Builds trust

Charles Shyaka, the general manager 250 Startups Incubator Kigali, says that employees whose bosses make decisions without their concern, feel left out. This builds walls instead of transparency. That’s why they need to be part of the process as in the end, it helps in the growth of the company.

Enables collaboration

Shyaka says that by involving employees in the decision-making process, managers create an opportunity for colleagues to share ideas, learn from each other, and work towards a common goal.

Increases productivity

When employees are involved, they act more clearly, make rational decisions, and bring more enthusiasm to their jobs. This results in an increase in productivity and general growth of the organisation, Shyaka notes. 

A path to success

Shyaka says that one of the ways to increase the likelihood of success is for managers to include their team in the process. Research shows that diversity leads to better decision-making. Bringing people into the conversation with diverse cultural backgrounds is a good way to elevate creativity and gain a fresh perspective.