Decision Making Styles

Styles
Refers to patterns we use when faced with
decisions
Many different ways to classify styles
Most describe styles using some elements
of logic and intuition

Impulsive Decider
One who takes the first alternative that is
presented: "Decide now; think later. Don't
look before you leap."
Can be panic, confusion or anxiety
Can be a decision of little importance

Fatalistic Decider
One who leaves the resolution of the
decision up to the environment or fate:
"Whatever will be will be."
I dont mind what I do - whatever turns
up.
Fatalists leave everything to chance.

Compliant Decider
One who goes along with someone else's
plan rather than making an independent
decision
"If it's OK with you, it's OK with me."
"Anything you say."
Often trying to please others

Procrastination Decider
One who delays thought and action on a
problem: "I'll think about it later."
One who avoids a decision or makes up
an answer to end the discussion.

Agonizing Decider
One who spends much time and thought
in gathering data and analyzing
alternatives only to get lost amidst the
data gathered
"I can't make up my mind. I don't know
what to do."
This person wants to make the right
decision.

Intuitive Decider
One who decides based on what is felt,
but cannot be verbalized: "It feels right."

Play-it-Safe Decider
One who almost always picks the
alternative with perceived lowest level of
risk.
" I like anthropology, but I can get a job in
accounting."

Planner
One whose strategy is based on a rational
approach with some balance between the
cognitive and emotional
These are organized decision makers who
consider alternatives and follow a strategy.

Style Quiz

I enjoy jobs that are:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Technical & well defined

Have considerable variety
Allow independent action
Involve people

I communicate best with others:

A.
B.
C.
D.

In a direct, one to one basis

In writing
By having a group discussion
In a formal meeting

When I am not sure of what to do I:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Rely on intuition
Search for facts
Look for a compromise
Wait before making a decision

When I am under stress I:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Become anxious
Concentrate on the problem
Become frustrated
Am forgetful

I dislike:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Losing control
Boring work
Following rules
Being rejected

Whenever possible I avoid:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Long debates
Incomplete work
Using numbers or formulas
Conflict with others

When time is important I:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Decide and act quickly

Follow plans and priorities
Refuse to be pressured
Seek guidance or support

In social settings I generally:

A.
B.
C.
D.

Speak with others

Think about what is being said
Observe what is going on
Listen to the conversation

Scores range among styles

Highest score is preferred style
Large difference among scores means a
stronger preference
Groupings of scores means more flexibility
in making decision

Add up the letters

More As = Directive
More Bs = Analytic
More Cs = Conceptual
More Ds = Behavioral

Decision-Making Styles
Tolerance for Ambiguity

High

Analytic

Conceptual

Directive

Behavioral

Low
Rational

Way of Thinking

Intuitive

Ambiguity the condition of being doubtful

or uncertain
Rational based on reason

Analytical
High tolerance for ambiguity
Gather as many facts as possible
Develop complex solutions
Enjoys challenging situations

Conceptual
High tolerance for ambiguity
Consider broad range of information
Intuitive and use interpersonal
considerations
Tend toward participative decision making

Behavioral
Low tolerance for ambiguity
Focus on people
Low data input into decisions
Enjoy cognitive simplicity
Deep concern for people

Directive
Low tolerance for ambiguity
Systematic
Technical in nature and based on facts
Tend to be autocratic
Use little information, consider few
alternatives, and tend toward control
Simple, clear-cut decisions
Efficient and rely on rules

Why do we care?
Affects amount of information needed for
decision
Affects others
Help you identify how you approach
decisions and whether you need to work
on a new style

Decision Making Styles

Dinklage, as referenced by
www.byu.edu/ccc/Career_Planning/assista
nce/decision.htm
My Decision help
http://learning.staffs.ac.uk/careers/careers
web/cplanning/mydecisionhelp.html