Investigating Decision Making Methods - Essay Example

Investigating Decision Making Methods Introduction Effective decision making is an essential way of enhancing understanding as well as demonstrating values within an educational setting. Social, philosophical and moral values and principles facilitate in effective decision making. They shape the basis for understanding the relationship that prevails between the values of an individual and the decisions that he makes while in an educational setting. Administrating what a person deems to be right does not come in a straight forward manner, and evaluating what is right is often a difficult undertaking (Green, 2012). A collection of moral concepts and ethical principles while making decisions do not prevail. It is the understanding of values, concepts or ideas that guides the decisions that an individual makes, and demonstrates what a person believes to serve the needs of students among other stakeholders better both in an educational setting and the community. It is appropriate for people to prepare to make use of logic among other applicable methods to facilitate in the decision making process. This is especially the case in a situation where one cannot be able to identify a right or wrong answer directly (Green, 2012). This paper will discuss the decision making approaches for an educational institution, and propose a mechanism of addressing the issues that prevail while using the set policies and procedures. Discussion Decision Making Approaches Consequentialism While considering a consequential approach, Mr. Miller should do whatever is in his capacity so as to enhance the best results in a situation. This idea mostly relates to common sense whereby the stakeholders know that the results of a particular action will lead to better results of another incidence. In this case, Mr. Miller should choose those actions that lead to better outcomes. Based on the consequentialism approach, it is appropriate for Mr. Miller to maintain the capacity to witness the consequences of a particular action. The decision which makes the stakeholders to gain the most from the decisions that Mr. Miller makes is the one that is accepted to be ethical (Childers, 2007). The benefit of this approach is that it is possible for Mr. Miller to evaluate those results that are comparable, and adopt a system that can allow him to establish those decisions that would yield great benefits to the stakeholders. Conversely, the major weakness that is associated with approach is that it involves future prediction. Though there are some people who can be able to adopt this form of life experience, one cannot be certain that it will work. This would result to unexpected results that may not be ethical. Therefore, the choice that he makes may not yield great benefits to most of the stakeholders (Childers, 2007). Mixed-Consequentialism In the case of mixed consequential, Mr. Miller may combine deontology thinking with consequential thinking in order to come up with a single approach that would result to ethical decision making. By assuming the issue of justice, the decision would be deontological, and consequentialism in case the good or service facilitates for utility. Therefore, Mr. Miller should use this option in case he assumes that a particular activity that he engages in would result to justice and satisfaction (Childers, 2007). Deontologism With regard to deontological approach, the consequences that Mr. Miller would face for the actions that he embarks on are attributed to evaluating between what is right or wrong. In this perspective, the most vital aspect that he should remember is that the consequences do not lead to differences when determining whether the activities that he engages in his relationship with the stakeholders are moral or immoral. The standard that is associated with morality determines if the activity is appropriate, and whether the stakeholders are good (Childers, 2007). In this case, it is appropriate for Mr. Miller to ensure that he keeps moral standards regardless of the consequences. In case Mr. Miller is deontological, he should combine obligations and responsibilities while determining if the decisions that he makes are ethical. He should always keep his promises and follow legal proceedings. When the stakeholders follow the law, then the end result is that they can be able to produce decisions in a consistent manner. This is because the decisions that they make would be based on various responsibilities. With regard to deontology, Mr. Miller would realize that it has various positive features as well as weaknesses. One of the major weakness that is associated with this approach is that there is no logical or justification basis for evaluating the responsibilities of the stakeholders (Childers, 2007). For instance, in case Mr. Miller decides that he will always keep time while undertaking particular activities, the stakeholders would not be aware of why he has decided to make this initiative his duty. Also, in case his duties and responsibilities conflict, then the stakeholders would not would not show concern for the wellbeing of other stakeholders. For instance, in case Mr. Miller undertakes his duties late, then speeding in order to arrive at a place of work on time would not sustain the law. However, in case running late breaks Mr. Miller’s duties, then conflicting obligations would prevail, and he would not be able to make clear decisions. Therefore, it is true that deontology would not offer guidance to in case Mr. Miller comes face-to-face with conflicting responsibilities (Childers, 2007). Mitigating Issues When the stakeholders within an educational setting are provided with sufficient support, they can manage to make effective decisions both at school and the surrounding community in order to facilitate for actual partnerships. This would allow them to manage their own behavior and relate with other stakeholders in an effective manner (APSMHI, n.d). There are various strategies that can help to mitigate issues that prevail in an educational setting. One of the most effective ways is involving the stakeholders in the decision making process. All the stakeholders within an institution should be provided with a form of guidance in order for them to make effective decisions while at school and while relating with members from the community. Though the stakeholders accept that the lead decision makers are the ones that make the final decisions, they appreciate when they are consulted and provided with an opportunity to contribute to the rules. Additionally, building the decision making skills by the stakeholder allows them to accept the prevailing rules as being necessary and fair. This allows them to become motivated and handle the duties assigned to them in an effective manner (APSMHI, n.d). Encouraging stakeholders to make decisions allows them to promote responsible behavior at school and in the community. By asking the stakeholders whether the decision that was made was good, they can be able to evaluate their actions, and develop strategies that can allow them to deal with the resulting consequences. Therefore, the lead decision makers should provide them with a better way of handling the situation (APSMHI, n.d). It is appropriate to support the independence of stakeholders by fostering decision making within an educational situation. . Most stakeholders accept that the lead decision makers are the only ones who are supposed to make decisions. This usually takes place in the case of minor decisions that the stakeholders can make on their own. By teaching and reinforcing the appropriate decision making steps, the stakeholders are capable of developing confidence and independence while on their own (APSMHI, n.d). Manual Updating Procedure While updating the policy and procedure manual, one should lay significant emphasis on the directory of the school, the attendance policy of the students, the procedures that the school should use to release students from school, school closing, the students’ code of conduct rules, and the way in which violations at school would be addressed. To ensure that the policies and procedures being updated are binding to all the stakeholders within an educational setting, then consultations would be held with members of staff, the students and parents to ensure that they understand the roles that they should play to facilitate their enforcement (Currituck, 2013). Conclusion The paper has revealed that decision making plays a crucial role with respect to ensuring that the stakeholders in an educational situation participate with respect to making a school and the surrounding community a better place. Therefore, it is appropriate for the lead decision makers to facilitate for the participation of the stakeholders to make it possible to enforce the policies and regulations that have been set. References APSMHI. (n.d). Desicion Making Suggestions for School Staff. Retrieved from http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/sites/default/files/public/KMP_C2_HCMD_DecisionMaking_SuggestionsForSchoolStaff.pdf Childers, D. (2007). Three Approaches to Making Ethical Decisions Within an Educational Institution. Retrieved from http://voices.yahoo.com/three-approaches-making-ethical-decisions-within-364320.html?cat=4 Currituck. (2013). Student-Parent handbook of Policies and procedures. Retrieved from http://www.currituck.k12.nc.us/cms/lib4/NC01001303/Centricity/Domain/223/Student%20Handbook%202012-2013_District.pdf Green, R. L. (2012). Decision Making: Quality and Acceptance. John Wiley & Sons: New York. Read More