Decision Making Model - Essay Example

Decision Making The rational approach of decision making is usually referred to as the traditional model. There are several rational decision making models and as such each model adheres to a different number of steps. Mc Dermitt 2008 notes that ‘rational decision making models involve a cognitive process where each step follows in a logical order from the one before.’ McNamara, 2007, posits seven steps to this approach, namely, the process of defining the problem, analyzing potential causes of the problem, identifying alternative approaches to restructuring the problem, selecting one of the alternatives, implementing a plan, monitoring the implementation of the plan and verifying whether the problem has been resolved. The first step which entails the process of defining the problem is considered by Mc Namara 2007 as the stage where individuals struggle the most. She insists that one should differentiate at this stage between complex problems and simple ones. She also sees it as necessary to prioritize the problem at this stage and ensure that one understands and take steps to verify that one understands not only the nature of the problem but also one’s role in the problem. Subsequent to this definition of the problem Mc Namara advocates an analysis of the problem in order to determine the ‘potential causes for the problem.’ Thus, it is vital to get input from as many stakeholders as possible in the analysis of the problem. Further, Mc Namara asserts that one should write the various inputs from those affected by the problem as well as a thorough description of the causes of the problem. Following the analysis, an identification of alternative approaches to restructuring the problem is suggested. A brainstorming session involving those who are affected or a personal brainstorming activity that involves just the one person affected. The fourth step involved selecting one of the alternatives. At this stage individuals are required to select the most realistic approach to the problem in terms of time and available resources. It also necessitates analyzing the risks involved in selecting any one of the alternatives. A natural follow up to the fourth step is ‘the implementation of the best alternative’ which constitutes an action plan. An in-depth monitoring of the implementation of the plan is then needed to ascertain which aspects of the solution is working and those dimensions that may require changes. Finally, Mc Namara suggests beginning again to operate as usual within the organization or within one’s life to verify whether the problem has been resolved. Interestingly, this approach has been criticized for its inherent assumptions. These include the assumption that problems are ‘clear and unambiguous.’ A second assumption is that all the workable alternatives are known by the decision maker. A third assumption connotes that alternatives can be ranked and weighed.’ The fourth assumption suggests that in spite of duration of time, the weights attached to these alternatives remain the same. Also, one has access to an expanse of information since there is ‘no time or cost constraints.’ Finally, the rational decision making model assumes that the alternative chosen will in fact generate the best value. (Milbourn 2001) One major decision that I recently had to make involved accepting a job offer from a completed different organization than the one in which I am presently employed. McNamara, 2007 asserts that an inquiry of the opinion of others would assist an individual in determining the right course of action. Therefore after consultation with my significant others and trusted professional associates, I began my journey to the making of a decision to obtain a new job. This job offer had become a challenge for the simple reason that I found myself unable to purchase some basic items for myself. It was at this point that I decided to search for opportunities which would place me in a financially stable position. My challenge then was to decide on whether to remain in my comfort zone and wait until an opportunity came within my industry or to step outside the box and make a total shift in my career path. McNamara posits prioritizing the problem and distinguishing between important and urgent matters. She states that “Important problems deserve more attention.” Thus, began my preoccupation with the question of strategically aligning myself to the best possible solution for my quandary. The third step in the process, identifying alternatives was rather stimulating. I decided that I could get a better paying job within my industry, open my own business, get a job in a totally different industry, or respond to advertisements that fit my skills and qualifications, to name a few. One of those alternatives literally jumped out at me and it so happened that it was also the most realistic to accomplish for now, respond to advertisements that fit my skills and qualifications. I could afford the time to wait for a response from the advertised job offers and the extent of risk associated with each alternative was fairly negligible so I chose the path of least resistance which was to wait for a new job opening from those advertised in the media. Nonetheless, I remained alert to the fact that I would eventually prefer to attain a high position within my chosen field. Therefore I would need to overcome any fears I had of changing my career path. Thus, my action plan then necessitated that I do some research on the soon to be available jobs. The income should be satisfactory not just working hard without seeing the benefits of the hard work. I immediately realized the need to implement a new method of thinking, one that looks ahead to the future and not just at immediate gratification. Hence to maintain my goal achievement level, there must be an incremental shifting towards interests in different organizations. The only necessary resources would be my skill and my competence to do the job. Monitoring and verifying the success of this plan would be fairly straightforward since the major means of measuring achievement would be to observe an increase in salary. If one project does not survive the years another one could be started in a short space of time given the action plan that has been clearly stated in this first project. McNamara maintains that one should write the process and as Confucius said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” The author of this paper believes that this rational decision making approach was the best choice for the decision of choosing a different job. This approach gave the author the opportunity to systematically think about the process from the beginning of the question of need to the end result of actually beginning a new career path. Moreover, this model of decision making allows one to do a thorough mental examination of alternatives before choosing one. Thus, on the selection of one alternative amongst the many generated, one can effectively explore the resources, the time and the risks involved in each alternative before the actual selection of one. Although the assumptions of this rational decision making model are in fact criticized for their apparent unrealistic scope one cannot help but appreciate the definite assistance one attains from utilizing this model to make decisions that requires one to choose from a variety of alternatives. The cognitive requirement of this approach therefore makes it appropriate for decisions that require mental or brainstorming activities whereas decisions that require creative or imaginative processes would call for a different approach perhaps a creative decision making model. References Mc Dermott, David. (2008). Rational Decision Making Models. Retrieved March 1, 2008 from http://www.decision-making-confidence.com/rational-decision-making-models.html McNamara, Carter. (2007). “Basic Guidelines to Problem Solving and Decision Making” Field Guide to Leadership and Supervision. Free Management Library: 1997-2007, Authenticity Consulting, LLC. Retrieved March 1, 2008 from http://www.managementhelp.org/prsn_prd/prb_bsc.htm Milbourn, Eugene. (2001). Assumptions of the Rational Decision-Making Model. Retrieved March 1, 2008 from home.ubalt.edu/ntsbmilb/ob/ob3/tsld011.htm Read More