Every day people are posed with options and choices to make. In the many actions and situations that individuals face each day, decisions have to be made. To some, decision making seems like a complicated and difficult thing to do.

According to studies, a lot of people are poorer in coming up with decisions than they think. That is why leaders exist to take the role of decision makers for the group or team. Yet, a good knowledge of the concept of decision making, the skills needed, and some tools or techniques to be used will help in developing sound decisions.

Basic Definition of Decision Making

How is decision making defined? Here are two standard definitions of the term:

1. Decision making is the study of determining and choosing among options or alternatives based on the preferences and values of the individual.

An important factor in decision making is the existence of choices and options. Apart from considering these choices and identifying them, the more important actions to do are:

a. Choosing the best alternative that can impact success and effectiveness.

b. Picking a choice that is most suitable to a situation, individual goals, preference, lifestyle, values, and many other factors.

2. Decision making is the process of reducing any hesitation or uncertainty about the available options in order to attain a practical and sensible choice. Part of making decisions is gathering information before making the best choice. Sometimes, people can still be unsure of the decisions made due to lack of sufficient research and knowledge of the alternatives. With good amount of knowledge, the risk probability of one decision is reduced. Also, uncertainty is lessened yet not totally eliminated.

Kinds of Decisions

Decisions can be categorized into three basic classifications:

a. “Decisions Whether”
This type of decision is a yes/no or either/or decision. Before choosing the best and most suitable choice, the person decides whether it is amenable or not. Part of making the decision is weighing the pros and cons. If the answer is a “no”, then another alternative is considered.

b. “Decisions Which”
These decisions are taken from a set of alternatives, which are compared to each other for the most probable and beneficial option based on a set of criteria.

c. “Contingent Decisions”
These are decisions that were already identified but are set aside until the conditions are approved and met. Many people have already created contingent decisions but they keep it until an opportunity to apply the decision comes along. Some factors, which may be considered as conditions for the decision to be carried out are: time, price, availability, motivation, and energy.

Decision Making Approaches

The major approaches to decision making can be classified into three: individual, authoritarian and group method.

a. Individual
The individual makes the decision based on personal values and preferences. Individual approach to decision making is challenging and difficult at times because some people are too dependent on others for a sound decision. A conflict of values and preferences also affects individual decision.

b. Authoritarian
In this approach, the decision relies on the leader or head of the group or team. As the sole decision maker, the leader must make sure that sufficient knowledge is gathered in order for the decision to be beneficial for the group. The leader must explain the chosen alternative to the group in order to gain acceptance.

c. Group
This approach is otherwise known as consensus. The members brainstorm and share ideas, discuss the considerations, and then implement on an agreed decision. A group decision usually is more effective because everyone takes accountability for whatever outcome there is.

Decisions shape the lives and dictate the actions of individuals. Everything is based upon decisions. There are always choices of doing it or not, buying something or not, taking it or not and letting it go or not. Smart decisions help many aspects of a person’s life – whether it is career, business, personal, professional or relationship aspect.

Decisions are also dependent on many factors such as personal taste, individual values, group ideas, proper timing, availability of resources, and many other considerations. The outcome of a decision is always dependent on whoever made the decision.