Week 5: Basic Decision-Making Components

To begin, it should be mentioned that decision making is both an art and science. It involves reason and intuition, fact and interpretation, information and knowledge. Emotions are always present and impacting choices made. At times they can be very valuable.

Above all decision making entails prudence, critical reflection and practical wisdom. As you will see, it is very important to have a level of self-awareness and honesty about one's strengths, limitations, and one's biases, as well as misconceptions and what factors are influencing one's decisions. These, plus not involving the right people, are the source for many poor decisions.

A sense of humility and willingness to be mentored or provided an alternative viewpoint is also very important.

Rarely, if ever, is there only one good choice to choose from. Usually there are multiple viable options, each with there pros and cons. Each with their ramifications and consequences. One has to choose between them, but how?

As you review the ideas below, reflect upon the charactersitics of your own decision making process. Try to identify its key components.

Some components essential to the decision making process:

Exploring The Situation and Discerning Action

As work issues arise and decisions are called for, stop to work through them thoughtfully and systematically, alocating enough time to make a prudent decision that you can personally and professionally live with.

Analysis of Issue:

• Name the issue(s) and its specific components. What type of decision is called
for?
• Identify the root causes that give rise to the issue(s), and/or the various
factors involved in the situation. What information is needed in order to
thoroughly understand the situation and devise a solution?
• Educate yourself on the influencing factors and systemic causes (internal to the
organization and external)--social, cultural, political, economic, business,
organizational, etc.
• Analyze the data acquired so one has:
 An understanding of the various vantage points from which to the issue can be
viewed.
 An in depth comprehension of the essence of the issue or situation and its
ramifications for individuals, social institutions, the business, business
stakeholders, civic communities, the world, etc.
 An awareness of the people, organizations, business stakeholders, etc.
affected by the issues and possible decision.
 A clear understanding of the moral and legal issues and questions it poses, if
any.

Informing Self:

The goal is to make an informed and responsible decision. Thus, one needs to consult various resources so the nature and ramifications of the types of possible decisions can be weighed carefully. Consult:

• Personal experience and intuition.
• Business, organizational, industry, professional, and historical precedence.
• Business best practices, industry trends, and those who will be impacted by
decision.
• Local and international social customs, norms, values, traditions, etc.
• Academic and professional research.
• Legal prescriptions and rulings.
• Professional codes of ethics.
• Practical wisdom.
• In-house and external colleagues, mentors and industry sages.

Make sure all of the necessary people are involved in the decision making process.

Seek and study positions that are contrary to the one(s) personally held.

Self-Reflection:

After gathering the needed facts, viewpoints, ethical information, and sage advice regarding the situation or issue, take ample time to honestly and critically reflect upon them.

Next devise various possible decisions. Discern their viability and feasibility in light of their practical ramifications, the business or organizational questions they pose, and the moral issues they raise.

Review all possible decisions, exploring the advantages and disadvantages, pros and cons, strengths and limitations of each.

Recognize the subjectivity involved, trying not to give undue preference to any one group nor oneself. Be aware of the fears, preferences and biases that might influence your decision. Ask:
• What are the personal, professional, business and/or ethical principles that need
to guide me in making this situation?
• Fears, preferences, biases, organizational politics, career aspirations, etc. are
influencing the process?
• What rationalizations are being made?
• How can the above be eliminated?

Acting Responsibly

Choose. Make a decision knowing that information is limited and influential factors will cause the decision to have flaws. Act responsibly, accepting that the choice is yours. Be aware that the decision will have consequences and lead to future situations and choices.

Post-Reflection

After the decision has been made, take time to critically review the process and results. Access the success of your decision and ways that it could be improved. make any adjustments that are necessary. Gain feedback from others, including those involved in the decision making process and affected by the decision. Do not feel guilty about not foreseeing all the consequences, as well as limitations in the choice made. Incorporate the insights into your decision-making process.