Which decision-making method involves a single authority figure making the final decision?

The decision-making method where a single authority figure makes the final decision is known as authority rule. In this approach, one person holds the ultimate power to decide, which can streamline the decision-making process and bring about swift resolutions, especially in situations requiring quick action or where clear leadership is needed.

This method is often used in organizational contexts where hierarchical structures are in place. An authority figure, such as a manager or team leader, assesses the information, considers input from others if necessary, and ultimately makes a call on the matter at hand. This can be beneficial when there is limited time for group discussion or when the group lacks the necessary expertise to make an informed decision collectively.

In contrast, other methods listed — such as consensus, minority rule, and majority rule — involve varying degrees of group participation and input before arriving at a decision. Consensus seeks collective agreement, minority rule entails decisions made by a smaller subset of the group, and majority rule requires more than half the votes for a decision. Each of these approaches values group dynamic and input, which is not the primary focus of authority rule.