Q. What is basket method?

In basket method: in basket or in tray technique involves simulation of a series of decisions a trainee might have to make in a real life. The trainee is presented with a pack of papers and tiles in a tray containing administrative problems and is asked to take decisions within a specific time limit. The decision taken by the several trainees are recorded and compared with one another. Learning occurs as trainees reflect and evaluate the decisions taken as priorities, customer's complaint, superior's demand, irrelevant information and the like.

Merits:

a. Through in basket method of executive development, the efficiency planning and systematic approach, the efficiency of long term objectives and planning can be demonstrated.

b. Instant feedback provides an opportunity for the executives to identify their loopholes and rectify them.

c. The decision making is quick, rapid and effective.

d. Decisions are taken by a group of people from the different departments and hence each executive gets a fair chance of participating in the decision making.

Demerits:

a. The in basket method may discourage original ideas because the ideas of an executive may be turned over by the group as a whole.

b. The solutions prescribed by the group of executives may not be accepted by the top management and hence the entire exercise may become redundant and unnecessary.