Plurality
Decision Method
Plurality means everyone votes for one of multiple options. The decision is derived on the most popular of the options.
Decision Methods: Unanimity • Fist to Five • Scoring • Dot-Voting • Multi-Voting • Consensus • Supermajority • Majority • Plurality • Consent • Brainstorming • Authority • Commission • Randomizing • Deferral
Purpose
Plurality voting is a decision-making method often used when there are multiple options on the table. In this approach, each participant casts a single vote for their preferred option from the given set. Unlike majority voting, where an option needs over half the votes to be selected, in plurality voting, the option that garners the most votes wins, even if it doesn't achieve an absolute majority. This means that an option can be chosen based on its popularity relative to the other choices rather than its absolute support among voters. While plurality voting simplifies the decision-making process in scenarios with numerous choices, it's crucial to note that the winning option might not always reflect the majority's preference but rather the largest block of voters.
Notes
Plurality can sometimes lead to divisive outcomes when there are multiple options that fragment the vote, potentially resulting in a choice that is only favored by a minority.
Rules / Constraints
We have not yet defined rules or constraints for this decision method.
“Sometimes you make the right decision, sometimes you make the decision right.”
(Source: Phil McGraw)