Abstract: This paper offers some reflections on the dynamics of globalization, competition, networking and collective decision making in relation with human systems in general and with collective decision making in particular. Globalization and competition are closely connected to one another and their interaction fosters worldwide networking among companies, organizations, and governments. This considerably changes and influences the nature of group dynamics of stakeholders and the interrelationships among themselves. The most important of all is the way decisions are made. What is needed most now is a process of consensual decision making in order to reflect the values and interests of all those stakeholders who are involved in, implicated or affected by such a process. Although the interaction between globalization, competition, and networking will be discussed in some detail, the emphasis will be on collective and consensual decision making. The paper concludes by suggesting a framework for a research agenda.
