What is Decision Making?
Decisions form an integral part of organization and management. Decision making is the process of making choices among various courses of actions and inactions. It involves using the correct and complete information while making a decision. In every organization, the manager has to make several decisions to sustain the business's effective functioning. It helps in achieving the goals and objectives of an organization. An effective decision always has two main aspects - the reason behind making the decision and the situation. A bold and logical decision leads to the proper utilization of the company’s resources and thus, helps in its growth.
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Major Principles of Decision Making
Principles can play a very important role while making a good decision. They help in understanding the problem and looking for better alternatives. The following are a few principles that can help a manager in the process of decision making:
Organizational Structure
The structure of an organization plays a very important role in its decision-making strategies. Rational decision making is a pervasive process. An effective organizational structure involves different organizational departments that make their own decisions.
If the structure is centralized and rigid, all the decisions are taken by the top management level. It can lead to delays and confusion in the decisions. On the contrary, an organizational structure with decentralized authority provides scope for equal delegation. It is a flexible structure and involves more acceptable and effective decisions.
Objectives and Policies of the Business
It is very important to analyze the objectives and policies of a business organization before making any decision. These objectives guide the ethical decision-making process. Business policies connect their goals with actions. They are statements that guide the company’s thinking, behaviours and actions.
Proper Communication
A decision is a selection from multiple choices. Communication plays a very important role in the effective working of an organization. Proper communication of information helps in making decisions that are beneficial for the organization. It helps in identifying the complexity in the decision-making process and reduces employee resistance. Communication is very important for a company’s success.
Subject Matter of the Decision
The subject matter plays a vital role in problem-solving and decision making. Decisional matters are of two types- programmed and non-programmed. Programmed problems are of a routine and repetitive nature. They require easy and simple solutions. Non-programming problems are of a novel and non-routine nature. They require special attention and analysis based on their features and circumstances.
Proper Analysis of the Alternatives
It is very important to properly analyze and evaluate all the alternatives to make the correct decision. A manager must study in detail the merits and demerits of all the choices available. This analysis can involve a single step or multiple steps. It includes refining alternatives to conclude.
Time
Taking an effective decision requires sufficient time. It is important to think about all the factors and then make a decision. There are numerous possible solutions to a problem. Thinking about all the ideas and possibilities can help in identifying and evaluating the problem.
Evaluating the Decision
Decisions are taken to carry out the objectives of an organization. The most important aspect of any decision-making process is evaluating the decision after it has been taken.
Structuring the in-progress reviews can help in analyzing whether the after-effects of the decision. It helps in understanding what is working for the company and what is not.
Flexibility
A decision taken cannot satisfy everyone. Rigidity while making decisions can affect the decision-making process. The decision-maker needs to have a flexible mental disposition. It will help win the cooperation of all the diversified groups in an organization. Flexibility in different types of decisions helps in maintaining peace and harmony in an organization.
Consider the Chain of Actions
In any organization, there exists a chain relationship between different activities. A decision taken to change one work can affect the other works also. Thus, it is very important to consider the chain relation between various activities of an organization.
Participation by the Decision Maker
Equal involvement by the decision-maker in implementing his decisions is very important. He must only observe others but perform himself. This will help him in understanding the practicality of his decisions and guide his future decisions.
Therefore, it can be understood that the growth of a business organization depends on its managers' decision-making skills. This article includes all the main principles in decision making that can help in its smooth working.
FAQs on Principles in Decision Making
1. What are the Different Stages of Decision Making?
Ans: Making a proper decision requires rimes and efforts. There are five stages in a decision-making process. They are:
Recognizing the Problem - It is very important to understand the subject or problem for which the decision is to be made.
Doing Proper Research - After analyzing the problem, doing proper research is essential. It involves deciding what factors are to be considered while making the decision.
Evaluating the Alternatives - It is very important to analyze and evaluate all the possible options and alternatives before making a decision.
Making a choice - After properly evaluating all the possible choices, the final choice has to be made.
Evaluating the decision - It is very important to evaluate the decision after it is implemented.
2. What is the Importance of Decision Making?
Ans: The following points highlight the importance of the decision-making process in a business organization:
Growth of the Business - Effective decision making helps a business to grow and prosper.
The Utilization of the Resources - Better decisions can help in better utilization of a company’s resources.
Achieving the Organization’s Objectives - Well researched decisions by the managers help a business achieve its desired goals and objectives.
Motivate Employees - Decisions from the management helps in motivating the employees to work better. It also increases the efficiency of the employees.
Overcome Challenges - Decision-making processes can help an organization face all the challenges in a mature way.
