Crowds can provide ideas in a collaborative or competitive mode. Is it true that their role may differ at different stages of the decision-making process?

The role of crowds indeed varies at different stages of the decision-making process, making the statement true.

In the initial stages of decision-making, crowds can contribute through brainstorming and idea generation, leveraging a collaborative mode where diverse perspectives and creative solutions are gathered. This phase focuses on generating a wide array of possible options without immediate judgment or filtering.

As the process progresses to evaluation and selection phases, the role of the crowd may shift towards a more competitive mode, where ideas can be ranked or voted on based on predefined criteria. This competitive aspect can help refine choices as feedback is generated, enabling the identification of the most promising options.

Different contexts and methods can further influence how crowds participate. For example, in a collaborative setting, participants are likely to work together to build on each other's ideas, while in a competitive setting, they might focus on outperforming one another's contributions. Understanding these dynamic roles helps leverage the power of crowds effectively throughout the decision-making journey.