This document discusses various models of decision making processes. It describes the rational model which takes a strictly logical approach through 5 steps. However, the alternative model led by March and Simon argues this is not realistic for humans with limited resources. The alternative model involves bounded rationality and intuitive decision making. Small group decision making can involve different paths like unitary or complex cyclic sequences. However, groupthink where unanimity overrides real evaluation can be problematic. Participation and collaboration models also differ in whether success relies on meeting individual needs or organizational structure. Overall, the ideal rational process is difficult to achieve fully, so decision makers rely on shortcuts and intuition.

1. Decision Making Process
By: Colin Benford

2. Becoming a
better
decision
maker
● Understand the objectives so you can
make a clear and precise decision
● You can make decisions quickly and
efficiently , trust your gut.
● Although never jump to conclusions,
each has its own sets of problems and
issues.
● Ask colleagues or friends for help when
having trouble deciding, it allows for a
new view on the subject.
● Prioritize the decisions, don't stress
over meaningless ones.

3. Decision - A conclusion or resolution reached after
consideration
Decision Making is made constantly , in and out of your
professional and personal life
Good decision making takes skills and time, prioritizing and
logical reasoning are the best ways to be confident in your
choice

4. Rational Model
Of Decision Making Process

5. Rational Model
Within organizations they take a Classical Approach, it strictly
rational and logical
The members will work together to find a solution
The process by which organizations make decisions would be
referred to as the Normative Model of decision making, it
includes 5 steps.
The Ideal approach to making decisions

6. Normative Model of Decision Making Steps:
1. Formation Stage
a. Focus Group Research , Determining Demographics
2. Concept Development Stage
a. This stage would allow for different approaches to be thought of about the topic.
3. Detailing Process
a. Comprehending how efficient and effective the decision was overall.
4. Evaluation Stage
a. Evaluating the final decision

7. Alternative
Model
Of Decision Making Process

8. Alternative Model of Decision Making
The Alternative Model is the more realistic approach of how
companies make their decisions
Scholars March and Simon believe in a satisfying approach
The decision makers will simple just satisfy the issue
Humans would like to look at all of the possible solutions and
be rational but have limited resources and ability

9. Alternative Model of Decision Making
Bounded Rationality
Attempting to make logical decisions but
restricted or limited to cognitively and
to the limited resources around them
Intuitive Decision Making
Accessing relevant information and
experience in order to make decisions

10. Rational and Alternative Model Summary
Overall, organizations would like to use a rational approach
when making decision but it not always possible so decision
makers typically use truncated decision procedures and rely on
intuition or satisficing solutions.

11. Small Group
Decision Making

12. Small Group Decision Making
Phase Model Decision Making
Orientation
Meet each other and understand the problem
Conflict
Possible Solution are introduced and
discussed
Emergence
Group has came to agreement
Multiple Sequence Model
● Unitary Sequence Path
○ Groups that use traditional
methods
● Complex Cyclic Path
○ Multiple Problem Solution Cycle
● Solution Oriented Path
○ No activity related to the
problem

13. Small Group Decision Making
Groupthink
“ a mode of thinking that people engage in
when they are deeply involved in a
cohesive in-group, when the members ’
striving for unanimity overrides their
motivation to realistically appraise
alternative courses of action ” (Janis,
1982, p. 9).

14. Small Group Decision Making
Groupthink Continued
Groupthink is bad for our society it has
led to many conflicts in the U.S Govt.
Groupthink does not allow for
individuals to speak their voice,
everyone just has to agree.

15. Participation
and
Collaboration

16. Participation and Collaboration
Participation In Decision
Making(PDM
Affective Model
Believes that for (PDM) to be successful the
participants Higher needs have to be met.
Cognitive Model
Believes that (PDM) can be successful not by the
needs of the participant but by the order in the
office. Both Upward and Downward so from
the boss to employee and vise versa.
Cognitive Model
Affective Model

17. Participation and Collaboration
Collaboration
Collaboration is more of a
contemporary look into
organizations . With the increase of
technology, collaboration with
organizations all over the world
are now able to work together.

18. Questions
How do companies balance rational decision making while still keeping their
values intact?
How does the dynamics of different departments in an organization affect
decision making?
How is groupthink incorporated or used in smaller organizations or small
businesses? How has that hurt or improve their decisions?

19. Thoughts
Understanding the Decision-Making Process of the corporations
allows me to get an idea of how to work under those
situations.
Group Decision making and Individual decision making are
almost parallel
Collaboration and Participation allows for two different views of
working together to understand how to work efficiently

20. Work Cited
http://99u.com/articles/7043/dont-overthink-it-5-tips-for-daily-decision-making
http://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-
insights/how-companies-make-good-decisions-mckinsey-global-survey-results
Miller, Katherine. Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes.
Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2006. Print.