Decision Making Styles

Decision making is the act of choosing between two or more courses of action. However, it must always be remembered that there may not always be a 'correct' decision among the available choices.

Effective Decision Making .Although decisions can be made using either intuition or reasoning, a combination of both approaches is often used. Whatever approach is used, it is usually helpful to structure decision making in order to Reduce more complicated decisions down to simpler steps. See how any decisions are arrived at. Plan decision making to meet deadlines.

Stages of Decision Making

These are the stages of decision making:

Stage One: Listing all possible solutions/options.

Stage Two: Setting a time scale and deciding who is responsible for the decision. 

Stage Three: Information gathering.

Stage Four: Weighing up the risks involved.

Stage Five: Deciding on values, or in other words what is important.

Stage Six: Weighing up the pros and cons of each course of action.

Stage Seven: Making the decision.

Approaches of Decisions Making

Three approaches to decision making are avoiding, problem solving and problem seeking Avoiding.  One approach in decision making is to not make a choice - that is, to avoid making a decision for the time being.

Problem solving. Problem solving involves using generic or ad hoc methods, in an orderly manner, for finding solutions to specific problems.

Decision making might be regarded as a problem solving activity which is terminated when a satisfactory solution is reached

Problem seeking . The process to clarify, understand and state the problem(s). The process of problem seeks to clarify, understand and state the problem(s).

Directive, analytical. conceptual. and behavioral decision-making styles may be used depending upon the manager and nature of the situation.

·      The decision-making style used will vary by the nature of the situation and the decision that needs to be made.

·           In its simplest sense, decision making is the act of choosing between two or more courses of action. However, it must always be remembered that there may not always be a 'correct' decision among the available choices.

There are four essential styles of decision making:

Directive: The group leader solves the problem, using the information he possesses. He/she does not consult with anyone else nor seek information in any form. This style assumes" that the leader has sufficient information to examine all the relevant options a. _ make an effective decision, but that is rarely the case.

·           Analytical: When the leader does not possess sufficient information to make in effective decision, they will need to obtain information or skill from others. They may not tell them what the problem is; normally, they simply asks for information. The leader then evaluates the information and makes the decision.

·           Conceptual: The leader explains the situation to the group or individuals whom he provides with relevant information, and together they generate and evaluate many possible solutions. This style tends to be have a long-term perspective and, as a result, will be more creative and expansive in their approach entailing a higher level of risk for the long-term benefit of the organization.

·           Behavioral: The leader explains the situation to the group or individuals and provides the relevant information. Together they attempt to reconcile differences and negotiate a solution that is acceptable to all parties. The leader may consult with others before the meeting in order to prepare his case and generate alternative decisions that are acceptable to them.

Decision Making Process