Lesson 6:

Lesson 6:

“DECISION MAKING”
 It is a process that involves selecting the most logical choice from among two or more options.
KIND OF DECISIONS (THOMPSON, J.L. 1997)
1. Operational Decision – this is concerned with how the different functions of the organization,
such as marketing, production, finance etc. will contribute to its strategic plan.
2. Strategic Decision – the decision at this level is likely concerned with the scope of the
organization’s activities.
3. Routine Decision – this is an ordinary decision on a wide range of issues. The decisions are left
to one person, usually the leader.
4. Urgent Decision – this is a decision intended for some problems that occur rapidly and may
cause serious consequences if not dealt with urgency
5. Problematic Decision – this decision must be taken when a difficulty has emerged and there is
no obvious solution. Experts from outside the team may be called to give advice.
6. Consultative Decision – this is a decision that involves those who are affected by the results of
the decision. Consulting other people from outside the organization means inviting others to
serve as consultant.
DECISION MAKING APPROACHES
1. Authoritarian Approach – leaders assume the authority to make decisions alone and to pass
them down the line for implementation.
2. Democratic Approach – the responsibility for decision-making is shared between the leader and
the members of the team.
KEY STEPS IN DECISION-MAKING BY SYSTEMATIC APPROACH
A. Setting Objectives – define the purpose of the decision and consider what outcomes or
objectives it will achieve.
B. Collecting Information – have sufficient information for the choices you need to make.
C. Identifying Alternative Solution – look at all possible options: some are obvious, have to be
logically deduced, and others require a more creative approach.
D. Evaluating Options – This involves determining the extent to which the decision options meet
the decision options meet the decision objectives.
E. Selecting the Best Option – after the evaluation, the best option is selected using anyone of a
number of techniques or approaches.
INVOLVEMENT IN DECISIONS
1. The Plop
 here the group makes a decision by not making a decision. This means not to decide is to decide.
Someone makes a suggestion, but it is dropped like a stone into a pond, and no one pays any7
attention to it at all.
2. The One-Person Decision
 this is quickly made, but later when the decider depends on free or voluntary support from
others to implement it, he may find himself carrying it out alone.
3. The Handclasp
 one person makes a suggestion; another says what a marvelous idea, and without further
discussion, the matter is decided. These decisions are more frequent than one thinks, and often
pass unnoticed at the time, but resentment comes to the surface later.
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4. The Clique
 this decision is made by a small group who plans beforehand to get their way. Because they are
better organized than those who disagree, they are often successful on the immediate issue, but
they bring a spirit of rivalry than cooperation into the group.
5. Minority
 these decisions are not consciously organized as those of the clique, but a few powerful
personalities dominate the group, often unconsciously, and then later they wonder why the
others are apathetic.
6. Majority Vote
 in big groups, this is often the most effective way to make a decision. However, one may lose
the interest or the loyalty of the minority who against a decision, especially if they feel their
point of view was not heard.
7. Silent Consensus
 some groups aim unanimous decisions. These are good, if genuine, but they are rarely achieved
completely on important issues. Unanimous agreement is sometimes assumed, when some
members have not felt to disagree and have kept silent.
8. Consensus
 this is an agreement, often involving compromise or combination of various possibilities, after all
opinions have been heard. Disagreements and minority viewpoints are discussed fully. It takes
time and care to build a climate in which all feel free to express themselves. This method does
build unity, cooperation and commitment. It does not mean listening to people and then doing
what was going to be done in the first place. It means adapting to accommodate the concerns of
all. This process may take longer.
NUR-FAIDA A. ABDULLAH
NSTP Instructor

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Lesson 6:

KIND OF DECISIONS (THOMPSON, J.L. 1997)

DECISION MAKING APPROACHES

KEY STEPS IN DECISION-MAKING BY SYSTEMATIC APPROACH

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