Decision-Making Processes

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always utilized a less-than-common methodology involved with everyday decision-making processes. My close friends and family members all agree that I over analyze simple questions and everyday tasks that should take a split second to decide, but somehow turn into a “What if” fiasco.

I decided to research the decision making process and what the definition actually entailed. According to the book titled, Organizational Behavior: Emerging Knowledge and Practice for the Real World, decision making is defined as the conscious process of making choices among alternatives with the intention of moving toward some desired state of affairs (Von Glinow and McShane).

Typically, decisions are made by utilizing clear logic and applying the best available information to determine the best option at hand. Furthermore, our authors categorize the Decision-Making Process into one of 6 Rational Choice Options as follows (Von Glinow and McShane):



1. Identify the problem or opportunity; realize that some decisions may produce results that exceed and/or fail to meet current goals and expectations.

2. Chose the best decision process; determine whether you have enough information available or require the assistance of others to complete the desired process.

3. Develop alternative solutions; if necessary, search for the best solution or modify an existing strategy to help create the best outcome possible.

4. Chose the best alternative; field the possible alternatives with the best outcomes and make your decision based upon the highest utility.

5. Implement the selected alternative; this process is self-explanatory and should assume minimal, if any, problems to implement the alternative decision.

6. Evaluate decision outcomes; generally, the final step should involve information from predetermined benchmark metrics such that any final feedback is easily examined.

What I have realized over the past couple of years after completing my undergraduate and graduate studies is that the existence of too much information can be my problem. I have made mind-numbing efforts to better control my overactive brain stimulants; however, I should find an outlet to tap into this surprisingly beneficial attribute to increase my personal net worth. Or, better yet, provide assistance to others who would simply want additional alternatives to a common process that requires revamping.

Sources: Von Glinow, Mary Ann and Steven McShane. Organizational Behavior. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2010, Pages 198-200.