Link: http://www.etc-architect.com/?p=283
From ETC-Architect
Have you seen that large groups of people (especially men) can often make really bad decision or behave badly, while each single member of the group will never do anything so stupid? I think we have all seen this and if not just go back in history where you will see many example of this negative group behaviour.
Usually however we expect that a large group will always do a better job than the individual. The classical example on how bad you can go if you let the larger group of architects decide is TOGAF 7 and 8, which was full of contradictions as no one was really in charge. The same is often true when you look at architecture governance groups. If a design is required to pass an architecture assessment large groups are very dangerous as the members of the team either try each to outshine the other in numbers of objections or follow the majority who just want the meeting to end. Instead if the same function is done by a single architect who will consult with his peers on certain aspects the overall performance is much higher at lower costs and less time spent for all concerned.
If you cannot avoid a large group of architects either be very passive (unless your boss is part of the group) or try to come with some disruptive ideas that the others do not like to discuss, as this usually leads you to be solely in charge of the governance in your area.
