Decision Making Proccess in Management Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to find a decision-making model by using various resources. I will focus on identifying the steps in the decision-making model, how the model applied to a recent workplace decision and examines how critical thinking affected the decision.
Critical Thinking
Thinking is the central process of how we transfer our thoughts. Our thought process is transferred either on paper or spoken verbally, these methods assist with transferring one's thoughts clearly. Writing helps to sharpen our thinking and enrich the mind with an understanding that was not there before (Kirby & Goodpaster, 1999). Writing one's thoughts does not give an exact picture of one's thoughts, but writing will produce a foundation to build upon. As quoted in the "Critical Thinking" reading material:
Writing then, can mirror the mind; focus it into a state of clarity, and present new awarenesses. Beyond these gifts, writing offers another rich gift that is a paradox: when we pour water out of a glass we are emptying the glass, but when we pour thoughts out of our mind onto paper we are filling our mind (Kirby & Goodpastor, 1999).
Critical thinking consists of evaluating the situation, filtering through choices, assessing the results and deciding whether one's conclusions make sense. A critical thinker also has to tolerate some uncertainties and be patient to accept that all the answers do not come at once.
Everyday, people have to make judgments, classify ideas, and follow logic, and engage in reasoningto solve problems. Being able to think critically will improve one's reasoning and problem-solving skills. The nature of logic has a great deal to do with one's reasoning of thinking--how an individual view or draws an assumption or decision.
Decision-Making Model
After researching several decision-making models, the model that closely relates to the course of action recently used in the workplace is the Seven Step Decision-Making Model.
Thinking in a reasonable and rational mind set allows you not to jump to a conclusion without first weighing the facts and the evidence. When we reflect we think back about the matter at hand and we think carefully yet deeply at the same time. When you engage in fair critical thinking, you are not being biased and sticking to one side. Believing what to do or deciding on what to do means you are trying to decide on a course of action by making observations, solving problems, and drawing conclusions. When you want more information on a specific topic or issue you respond by making inquiries to find out more about it and gaining
The dictionary term and understanding for the word ‘logic’ is “of sound thinking and proof by reasoning” (Merriam-Webster, 2009). Logic is the examination of the methods and doctrine used to determine ‘correct’ from ‘incorrect’ and is used in the structure of an argument. Allied to critical thinking, logic has a place and holds a relationship that reflects the thought process yet; critical thinking has a more diverse standard of questioning relative to developing both intellectual and emotional queries that can better evaluate reason.
Dictionary.com defines critical thinking as “the mental process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion” (2011). A well-educated critical thinker will raise important questions as well as define problems or issue, in a clear and precise manner, gathering, and evaluating relevant information using abstract and informative ideas. The critical thinker as well will interpret the information effectively to come to a well-rounded conclusion and a well formulated solution, testing them alongside the relevant standards and criteria. Open mindedness is vital, within one’s thinking processes within alternate systems of thought, the critical thinker will recognize and assess, his or her assumptions, practical consequences, implications, by communicating effectively with other individuals to figure out a possible outcome to multifaceted issues (Criticalthinking.org).
In general, as shown by analysis of the literature, there are three stages of critical thinking research. The first stage was within 1970-1982. During this period, researchers paid their attention to the importance of logical thinking, believing that it formed the core of critical thinking (Reichenbach, 2000). E. Glaser developed training program of critical thinking, which addressed
The following is a decision-making model that I have used to arrive at a decision.
on the ability of the thinker to be able to successfully think logically. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, logic is defined as "the science of reasoning, proof, thinking, or inference." Therefore, being able to think logically would assist in one's critical thinking abilities. Logic is not tainted by human emotion, and is therefore can be considered a reliable tool to accompany the critical thinking process.
What is not easily recognized is the fact that the very fabric of life is dependent on the ability to think properly and make good decisions. Improper thinking is costly in the quality of life and monetarily. The result of a critical thinker that has worked to cultivate proper thinking skills includes: the ability to ask vital questions and to identify problems with clarity. A critical thinker also collects relevant information while effectively interpreting it, thinks with an open mind, uses alternative systems of thought, and understands how to communicate while working to formulate a strong solution. In summary, critical thinking is self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. Above all else, the standards of excellence are rigorous, and it entails the prospect of overcoming the challenge of sociocentrism and
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 will be examined how the decision making process can be followed using various tools and techniques to make successful business decisions by using these same tools and techniques during a thinking critically business scenario. The paper will also discuss how different tools and techniques could have been used to make different, yet still successful decisions.
According to The Foundation for Critical Thinking (2007), "Critical thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment to overcome our native egocentrism (Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2007).
This paper will focus on the Rational Model for decision-making. The first section will describe the Rational Model for decision-making. It will identify all the steps of the Rational Model and what they entail. The second section will detail a recent job-related issue I was involved with. I will discuss the issue and show how the Rational Model of decision-making was effectively utilized to reach a decision.
“Decision making is a process of first diverging to explore the possibilities and then converging on a solution(s). The Latin root of the word decision means "to cut off from all alternatives". This is what you should do when you decide.” (Kotelnikov, 2008). In fact, the decision making process helps reduce doubt and uncertainty about alternative choices to allow individual to choose the best reasonable choice. In addition, the decision making process can make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful organization. Consequently, management tries to use the best techniques and tools possible to make the best decision. Nowadays, most organizations seem to think that they have the most effective and efficient decision making process. So what are the different styles of decision making processes have organizations implemented? In order to answer this question, the team members will investigate and observe the decision-making processes most prevalent in their organization. As a result, these papers will first compare and contrast the problem identification and formulation styles in the team members’ organizations. Then the most favorable aspects of each style will be discussed to describe a process by which a problem can be identified and described to stakeholders in a manner that is sensitive to their perspective.
What is critical thinking? Encarta Pocket Dictionary defines critical thinking as a type of critical analysis. Encarta Pocket Dictionary defines a decision as firmness in choosing something. The authors of Whatever It Takes suggest that decision-making material and literature tend to emphasize the product of decision-making but does not emphasize the actual process of decision-making. Critical thinking is the mechanical process by which problems are perceived, alternative solutions weighed, and rational decisions are made and decision-making is streams of choices (McCall, Kaplan, xv).
The problem solving and decision-making processes are commonly used in management throughout all business models. Both processes share a similar uniqueness by combining an analysis and perception along with systems and outcomes. Much like the steps of the decision-making process, problem solving also follows a similar sequence of steps. Despite the fact that problem solving and decision-making are somewhat related, they are completely different. The main difference between the two is that problem solving is considered to be a method whereas decision making is more of a process. Management uses problem solving to reach a resolution with hope of achieving a positive outcome. Decision-making is frequently used during problem solving to help reach a resolution. Decision-making generates criteria for problem solving and develops alternative solutions. It also evaluates possible solutions and chooses from among the solutions (Huitt, 1992).
Critical thinking regularly involves the capability to interpret information and make knowledgeable decisions based on such information. Additionally, problem solving is frequently theorised as the use of critical thinking skills towards the effective solution of a specific problem or towards a specific end goal. Critical thinking is the disciplined art of ensuring that you use the best thinking you are capable of in any set of circumstances. The general goal of thinking is to figure out some situation” (Critical Thinking, 2001, p.1), solve some problem, answer some questions, or resolve some issue. It also is a process in which a person pursuits reliable and pertinent information about the world. Critical thinking is often described as reasonable, ruminative, trustworthy, and a well-practiced form of thinking that assists people with deciding what they should believe in and what actions should be taken. A practiced critical thinker will ask good questions, collects pertinent data, categorizes common characteristics, logically reasons with the new data and then he or she will come to a trustworthy and dependable conclusion. Critical thinking makes use of many processes and procedures. Some processes include but is not limited to asking questions, making judgments, and identifying
In conclusion, decision making is an important concept in everyday life because it is linked to success and effectiveness in various situations. This process is usually carried out based on various concepts and models such as WRAP model. The ability of an individual to make the most appropriate decision in a particular decision is based on his/her ability to choose the best possible concept or process for decision making. However, one should not be rigid when using a particular decision making model or concept.