Decisions are made every day, and some do not have a lot of thought behind them. How can we develop a habit of carefully processing information in order to make intelligent decisions? This is a facet of corporate America that needs to have more attention devoted to it. This essay is going to offer two decision making models and also show how they can benefit those who use them.
A decision making process based on data leads to good decisions (www.lib.umd.edu). If those in the position to do so will remember how decision making directly affects themselves and others, they will think a little more soberly about the process involved. The first model discussed is a five-step model and includes Framing, Deciding, Communicating, Implementing and Evaluating.
The first step in framing is to clarify the purpose and boundaries of the decision. This will set a tone for the process that needs to be implemented in order to achieve the best possible outcome. Clearly understanding the subject matter about which the decision is being considered aids in the overall decision-making process. It is the foundation on which the final outcome is based. Without a clear understanding the other four steps will not result in a favorable outcome.
Once clarity is determined, the gathering of information comes next. During this step some guidelines will be established that will make the next four aspects of decision making viable. Identified here are the people it will affect and exactly who is responsible for the final decision; an individual or group. Then a deadline for making the decision must be agreed upon or set.
When guidelines are set with deadline in place, the method defining how the decision will be made comes next in this five-step procedure. Appropriate tools should be used for gathering data, integrating ideas with the data, and deciding if it will be the responsibility of one individual or a group who makes the final determination. There is a certain amount of decision making within the decision making model.
Communicating by summarizing the rationale for the decision and why it was made along with defining the steps used to implement the decision are the next two steps in this model of decision making. Also in these steps is the defining of who will report, and how they will do it, the completion of certain steps within the decision making needs to be established.
Finally, there is the evaluation of the decision to be sure all steps have been accomplished in a satisfactory manner. If the final outcome is not favorable the decision making group or individual should rethink the data used and start the process over.
The seven-step model developed by Rick Roberts of the University of North Florida Career Services includes identifying the decision to be made, self assessment, identifying any options, gather data, evaluate problem solving options, selecting one and designing a course of action (www.unf.edu). This decision making model is much like the previous one mentioned, but is a little more detail orientated. It is preferred to have as much knowledge about the decision desired so it tends to be a little more involved for everyone in the decision making group.
The first step in Roberts' design is like the five-step model, and is imperative to making a good decision. Understanding what the problem is in order to implement a process to render the best possible decision has to be the first step in any decision making model. This is usually a question to delineate and define the unique characteristics concerning the problem faced. The more information gathered the broader the spectrum is from which to choose pertinent information needed.
Self assessment involves how you see yourself in four categories of understanding. They are skills, interest, values and personality. This is important because it has a direct bearing on how the process will flow. If we are not aware of personal traits that are inevitably exhibited in our every day affairs, we can be tripped up by them and find ourselves embarrassed. "Know thyself" is the adage.
Exploration of the options available is the next step in this seven step decision making model. Determine whether the information acquired will be helpful or not. This means input from everyone involved is vital. The decision will be made, but the affect it has lies in opinions being shared by those making the decision.
After choosing the information to be used decision makers will collaborate by offering personal data about the information. Also, it is good to research these pieces of information in order to get a clear understanding of how they will be used in the process of decision making. Finding and using more resources that can be used as evidence to support the implementing of the process will go a long way in determining how successful the outcome of the decision will be.
Select only one of the options that you have explored and design an implementation procedure. These are the last two steps in this model. Based upon the data analyzed the people involved should be able to ascertain the best method of implementation. This will bring a satisfactory level of confidence not only in those who developed the process, but also those the decision will affect.
Any decision making model used will begin with identifying the problem that makes a decision making process required. The steps outlined above are all illustrations of the critical thinking necessary to be able to make good decisions. Whether we see them, notice them, or even understand them does not make them of no use to us. In fact, we use them to some degree in every decision we make. Taking this class, for example, took a decision on my part. I had to weigh the options presented to me, gather the information about the classes in this field of study, and based upon those findings I was able to decide to register for this class. Critical thinking is absolutely necessary to make good decisions. If I had allowed incorrect or false data to become part of the criteria on which I based my decision, I would probably be in a class that I would not benefit from.
Finally, choosing a decision making model, whether it be from a professional viewpoint or a personal one is vital to everyday activities. Most people make decisions without giving them much thought only to regret what they have done, especially when they realize a little more insightful and critical thinking could have avoided a less-than-desirable outcome.
