Often people confuse the terms problem solving and decision making.

Problem solving  is what one does to move from the existing situation to the goal.  It is a sequence of steps or actions taken to solve a problem, including defining the problem, identifying or creating possible solutions, and choosing among the solutions.

Decision making  refers to the act of selecting one or more options from those available; it does not involve creating possible options.  Decision making may take place by default; that is, without consciously recognizing that an opportunity for decision making exists.  This fact will lead us to the very first element in a definition for decision making.  To have a decision making situation, there must be at least two alternatives.  If there is only one course of action there will be no decision making, for there is nothing to decide.

The following are links that will provide you with additional information on related areas.  Included are such topics as Problem Solving, Decision Making, Idea Generation Techniques such as brainstorming and focus groups, and an exercise in group problem solving.
 

•  Seven Steps to Problem Solving
     1.    Define and Identify the Problem
  2.    Analyze the problem
     3.    Identify Possible Solutions
  4.    Select the Best Solutions - Six Steps to Decision Making
     5.    Evaluate Solutions
  6.    Develop an Action Plan
     7.    Implement the Solution
 
This section will give you in-depth information on all seven steps of Problem Solving.  Included in this section are idea generation techniques such as BRAINSTORMING, BUZZ GROUPS, NOMINAL GROUPS, DELPHI METHODS, FANTASY CHAINING, FOCUS GROUPS, and METAPHORICAL THINKING.
 
•  Applications - Problem Solving Pitfalls
Lost on the Moon - An Exercise in Group Problem Solving
 
This section will introduce your group to many of the problems it may face while working through the Problem Solving process.  It will also provide a practical application to test your Problem Solving skills.
 

However optimistic one may be, the fact is that not all conflicts can be solved.  Some ideologies are so far apart that resolving conflicts between them is unlikely.  Group members may have to focus on problems or issues on which they are most likely to come to a common understanding.  But beware of self-fulfilling prophesy -- never automatically assume a problem cannot be solved, or you may behave in such a way as to bring this very situation about.

Decision making is an act of responsibility.  If we make our own decisions we can no longer blame others for everything that goes wrong.  We must then take responsibility for our own selves.  The simple task of deciding to decide, when it becomes a habit, can become a greater step towards empowerment.  To decide is to take power into ones own life.  Not to decide, is to let go of the power that lies right in front of you.
 
 

Beebe, Steven A. and Masterson, John T. Communicating in Small Groups, Fifth Edition.  Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc., New York, 1997.

Chang, Richard Y. and Kelly, Keith P. Step-By-Step Problem Solving, Richard Chang Associates,  Inc., Irvine, CA, 1994.

Pokras, Sandy.  Systematic Problem-Solving and Decision-Making, Crisp Publications, Inc., Los Altos, CA, 1989.
 
Galanes, Gloria J. and Brilhart, John K. Communication in Groups:  Applications and Skills, Third Edition. Brown & Benchmark Publishers, Dubuque, IA, 1997.

Denhardt, Robert B. Administration - An Action Orientation, Second Edition.  Wadsworth Publishing Company, Belmont, CA, 1995.

Fisher, B. Aubrey and Ellis, Donald G. Communication and the Group Process.  McGraw Hill Publishing Company, 1990.

Schultz, Beatrice J. Communication in the Small Group, Second Edition.  Harper Collins Pubishers Inc., 1996.

Ellis, Donald G. and Fisher, B. Aubrey.  Small Group Decision Making.  McGraw-Hill, New York, 1994.

Cathcart, Robert S., Henman, Linda D., and Samovar, Larry A.  Small Group Communication.  Brown and Benchmark, Chicago, 1996.