Key Topics Introduction The Decision-making process Decision-making models Decision Styles A discussion on Group Decisions
Part I Introduction
Organizations Organizations are systems Involve people, structure and a common purpose Have limited resources Need to perform a series of functions to meet its objectives
Managers Managers are responsible for effective and efficient execution of these organizational functions. A typical manager performs a number of functions that are categorized as: Interpersonal Informational Decisional
Managers One of the key traits that distinguish managers from operatives is the ability to make independent decisions.- self determining. Decide traits.
Part II Decision-making
What is decision-making? The word decision is defined as: A choice between two or more alternatives. Maraming pagpipilian Thus decision-making can be defined as: the selection of a course of action from among alternatives . Select action from alternatives
Decision-making Process Identifying a problem Identifying decision criteria Allocating weights to criteria Developing alternatives Analyzing alternatives Selecting an alternative Implementing the alternative Evaluation (of decision effectiveness)
Problem Definition Problem is a discrepancy (difference) between an existing and a desired state. Example: The manager has resigned, and we need another manager Here the phrase manager has resigned reflects the current state while need another manager represents a desired state.
Identifying Decision Criteria
The word criteria, is defined as a standard by which something can be judged. A decision criteria therefore, is the basis of a decision, which outlines the relevant and important factors for a decision. And implicitly, it also defines what is not important.
Decision Criteria: Example
In the above-cited scenario, the decision criteria may include the following factors: Relevant qualifications Leadership skills Communication skills Planning and analytical skills Professional experience
Allocating Weights to Criteria
The next step in the decision making process is prioritization. Prioritization is achieved by assigning quantitative weights to each criteria element. The weightage defines the relative significance of each element.
Allocating Weights: Example
Developing Alternatives Involves defining the possible alternatives (or choices) that would resolve the problem. In our case, the alternatives would be a list of candidates or job applicants.
Analyzing Alternatives Alternatives are rated and analyzed on the basis of the criteria The rating can be based on a specified scale, say 1 5 etc. Rating may be subjective in nature and thus,may depend on the judgment of the individual(s)
Criteria Rating: Example
Analyzing & Assessment: Example
Selecting an alternative Involves choosing the best alternative, based on the above rating and analysis Generally implies selecting the alternative with the highest score.
Implementing the Alternative
Putting the decision into action Involves clear communication of the decision to all concerned and obtaining their commitment
Evaluation Evaluation forms an integral part of any process Involves evaluation of the outcome based on the desired goal and criteria Involves assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of the outcome (or the entire process) In case of any undesired results, each step of the process is carefully reviewed to trace the root causes
Decision-making Models Model A simplified representation or description of a system or complex entity Examples A model of a building A globe (Earth model)
Rational/Bounded Rational So Rational and Bounded Rational Models are cognitive models that describe how managers make rational decisions
The Rational Model
1. Define and diagnose the 2. Analyze the 2. Set goals problem problem 7. Follow up and control 3. Search for External and alternative internal solutions 6. Implement Environ. forces the solution selected 5. Choose 4. Compare among and evaluate alternative solution solutions
Rational Model: Criticism
Not all decisions made on rational basis Most problems, goals and preferences are not clear or well defined Not practical to know all possible alternatives Time and cost constraints exist in all practical problems Result not maximized in most cases
Bounded Rational: Assumptions
Limited set of criteria Self-interest influences ratings Limited no. of alternatives Alternatives are assessed one at a time till a satisficing (or good enough) alternative is found Politics influences acceptance and commitment of decision
Intuition An unconscious process of making decisions on the basis of experience and judgment
Intuition Involves gut feeling May also have rational basis The feeling arises from past experience and knowledge Involves quicker response Does not involve systematic analysis
Decision Types Effective managers make various kinds of decisions. In general, these decisions are either Programmed decisions Non-programmed decisions
Programmed Decisions A decision that is repetitive and routine A definite method for its solution can be established Does not have to be treated a new each time it occurs Procedures are often already laid out Examples: pricing standard customer orders, determining billing dates, recording office supplies etc.
Non-programmed Decisions A decision that is novel (new or unique) or Ill structured No established methods exist, because it has never occurred before or because It is too complex
Non-programmed Decisions Organizational
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Levels
Nature of Problems
Nature of Decision-making
Non-programmed Decisions Are tough decisions that involve risk and uncertainty and call for entrepreneurial abilities Such decisions draw heavily on the analytical abilities of the manager Examples: Moving into a new market, investing in a new unproven technology, changing strategic direction
Decision Styles Decision-making, though a rational process does include some subjective elements Thus in real organizational settings, the quality of decision does depend on the ability, style and approach of the manager
Decision Styles: Directive
Directive Represents low tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty Reflects rational thinking of the manager Such decision styles are more suitable for routine procedural tasks
Decision Styles: Analytic
Analytic Analytical style is also a rational style of thinking Involves a very high tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty Such managers generally seek detailed information before making a decision
Decision Styles: Behavioural
Behavioural Represents a creative way of thinking Involves a low tolerance for ambiguity or uncertainty Managers with a behavioural style introduce new ways of doing things
Decision Styles: Conceptual
Conceptual Conceptual style also reflects a creative and intuitive way of thinking Conceptual style managers have a very broad vision and generally look at numerous alternatives for decisionmaking Focused on the long run and often result in creative outcomes or alternatives
Group Decision-making The factors requiring group decisions include: Involving sensitive issues High cost alternatives Involving very high risk factor Strategic impact
Group Decisions: Advantages
Acceptance of group members Coordination is easier Communication is easier Existence of large alternatives More information can be processed Diversity of experience and perspectives
Group Decisions: Disadvantages
Take longer time Group can be indecisive Groups can compromise Groups can be dominated Groups can play games Victim to Groupthink
Situational Factors for Individual Decision-making
Short time Unimportant to group Manager can take decision Dominate the decision Destructive conflict Members hesitant
Situational Factors for Individual Decision-making
Confidential data Incapability of members Managers dominance Indirect effect on group members
Situational Factors for
Group Decision-making
Need for innovation and creativity
Data collection Importance of acceptance Importance of solution Complex problem Democratic process
