Chapter One: Rational Decision-Making in Complex Business Environments There are many obstacles executive leaders need to overcome when presented with the challenge of effective decision-making in a business environment. These obstacles include multiple alternatives available to a problem that have a high probability of a successful outcome, the inability to determine the successful outcome of a decision, lack of information available to formulate a decision, irrelevancy of past practice as a guide, and the influence of the unpredictable nature of live variables when making business decisions. The first goal of this chapter is to help readers understand what decision-making is and the various factors that influence decisions for …show more content…
Rational Decision Making The rational decision-making process consists of seven steps that need to be followed consecutively. This process can take an extended period of time to complete. The steps are as follows: (1) defining and identifying the problem, (2) analyzing the problem, (3) developing alternative solutions, (4) selecting the best solution out of the available alternatives, (5) converting the decision into action, and (6) ensuring feedback for follow-up (Brest & Krieger, 2010). Identifying the problem. Identification of the real problem before a business enterprise is the first step in the process of decision-making. It is rightly said that a problem well-defined is a problem half-solved. Information relevant to the problem should be gathered so that critical analysis of the problem is possible. This is how the problem can be diagnosed. Clear distinction should be made between the problem and the symptoms that may cloud the real issue. In brief, the manager should search the critical factor at work. This is the point at which choice applies. Similarly, while diagnosing the real problem the manager should consider causes and discover whether they are controllable or uncontrollable. Analyzing the problem. After defining the problem, the next step in the decision-making process is to analyze the problem in depth. This is necessary to classify the problem
Managers within organizations are faced with the challenges daily of making excellent decisions. In everyday life we are challenged in making sound decision, decision that will last for a life time. Folk often wonder after making a decision if it was the right choice, will it affect the people around me, was this a good choice for my family, and will the decision affect them. In order to be an effective manager you have to possess the skill of outstanding decision making skills. In order for one to be successful within their personal life they may also need to possess an understanding of effective decision making. The decision- making process should be one that makes a positive change. Can the decision making process work
The decision making process follows the same steps every time a decision is made. The first step is to analysis the problem presented thoroughly (Rossi, Picchi, Di Stefano, Marongiu, & Scarsini, 2015). Questions such as; what is the problem?, and why should the problem be solved? May need to be answered before the person engages in the
Decision-making in the workforce is a process of responsibilities used by upper management to implement, enforce rules, regulations, and maintain a successful environment. Decision-making implemented more effectively by making a plan, thinking it through, accepting more than one opinion and determining what is best. However, decision-making often utilized more effectively by opening doors of opportunities for a suggestion, question, discussion, and feedback. Although, more involvement helps improve understanding, utilize behavior skills and present opportunities for better communication. Everyday life consists of decision-making, the right decision may not always be applied, but ensure room for improvement and opportunity. Individuals approached decision-making in many different ways. As stated by (Jones, Graham, & Bateman, 2006) decision making is a procedure used to recognize a problem, weigh the alternatives and evaluate a solution in which, certain situations will require different approaches to become effective.
In the problem analysis phase of effective decision making, group members should recognize any obstacle that may arise that needs to be improved or changed and determine the characteristics, magnitude, and possible cause(s) of that obstacle confronting them. This phase lays the groundwork for what the group should be prepared for as they work together (Hirokawa & Salazar, 1999 p. 170).After analyzing the problem, the group should then discuss and establish goals and objectives in order to generate proposed solutions of
Examine the current situation, in measurable terms, to discover or identify the discrepancy (this could be a problem, issue or opportunity).
Rational decision is a state of being agreeable to reasons. The correct decision is not just reasoned but it is also optimal for solving a problem. Mr Weekes, the operation manager, employed series of analytical steps to review possible outcomes for problems by discussing it with managers to come up withdevise particular courses of action.
The decision making process can also be divided into seven steps, where the first step will basically involve defining the problem. These steps allow for the main issue to be identified, and therefore the manager should make sure that it has been done correctly. After the problem identification stage, we can move forward and identify the limiting factors, and in this the manager should make use of all resources available to do it the best way. Some of the resources include information, time, personnel, equipment and supplies. Using this, managers can be able to identify the factors that might hinder them from achieving their goals.
The following explanation is structured based on the decision making model: Define the problem (A), Analyze Alternatives (B), Make a Choice (C), Take Action (D), Evaluate Result (E). For each of the steps in the decision-making process, I will list each situation in order (1-4) stated in Case 9, W-115.
First, under this step managers must recognize that a decision is needed and identify the problem to be solved. A problem is typically a difference between the actual situation and what is desired. However, managers often act without understanding the problem to be solved or define the problem in terms of a proposed solution or in terms of its symptoms. For example, in response to employee complaints about salaries being too low (a symptom), managers might define the problem as a comparison of salaries to industry averages (SagePub, 2008). However, the true problem could be that the total compensation package, including benefits, does not suit the demographic characteristics of the firm’s employees.
The concept of ‘rationality’ has been talked through the centuries. According to Grey (2013), rationality is a big question because of this proposition which has the meaning and difficulties seem to be defining of a whole set of issues which have resonated through both organisation theory and practice ever since. And rationality is the basis of a decision, rational decision makers are objective and logical, they reach the goal that maximises the value. Not only rationality is important to organisations, and also it can be identified in various kinds of management theories. This essay will introduce the different aspects of the concept of ‘rationality’ and make explanations that how these are recognised in different management theories.
First step in decision making process is identifying the problems. As McShane and Von Glinow (2000) stated, a problem can be
Thinking critically and making decisions are important parts of today’s business environment. It is important to understand how the decision making process works and the steps involved. The nine steps of the decision making process are: identifying the problem, defining criteria, setting goals and objectives, evaluating the effect of the problem, identifying the causes of the problem, framing alternatives, evaluating impacts of the alternatives, making the decision, implementing the decision, and measuring the impacts. (Decision, 2007.) By using various methods and tools to assist in making important business decisions an individual can ensure the decisions they make will be as successful as possible. In this paper it
A model of decision making known as the Rational Decision Making Model arises from organization behavior. This includes working through series of five stages path from problem identification and to the solutions.
A study published in the winter 1997 volume of Business Strategy Review suggests the major factor in a decisions success is the decision process itself. The study, by Paul Nutt, suggests that poor decision making
Once a decision maker has defined the problem, he or she needs to identify the decision criteria that will be important in solving the problem. In this step, the decision maker is determining what’s relevant in making the decision. This step brings the decision maker’s interests, values, and personal preferences into the process. Identifying criteria is important because what one person thinks is relevant, another may not. Also keep in mind that any factors not identified in this step are considered as irrelevant to the decision maker.