Decision making is the process of examining alternatives and choosing a course of action to achieve objectives. It is a systematic, logical, and rational process that depends on the situation. Decision making involves individuals and groups in organizations. In schools, the decision making process involves the school head, assistants, teachers, and sometimes students, with the final decision taken by the school head. The steps in decision making include fully analyzing problems, considering alternatives, and choosing the best decision based on intelligence, experience, and the environment. Participative decision making involves all personnel and has advantages like improved decisions, broader perspectives, and easier implementation, but can be time-consuming.

1. DECISION MAKING
A . Arulpriya
Second year M.Ed.

2. Definition
“A decision is a choice made between two or more available alternatives.
Decision making is the process of choosing the best alternative for reaching
objectives”
(Samuel c.certo 2003)
Decision making is the process of examining your
possibilities options, comparing them and choosing
a course of action.

3. Characteristics of Decision Making:
• A process following a systematic, logical and rational approach.
• Continuous human process involving both individuals and social contexts.
• When there alternatives solutions , then the need for decision making
emerges.
• Aim to achieve something.
• Emphasized on sound reasoning and judgment.

4. Cont.….
• Depends on the situation.
• Goal oriented /directed towards a solution.
• Time consuming and responsible activity.
• Decision may accepted by a group of people or a single person in
an organization.

5. Integral part of the
management of any
organization
DECISION MAKING IN
SCHOOLS
Levels
• Objectives
• Planning
• Organizing
• Directing
• controlling
Decision made by the
people in school
administration
Decision making process
involves
• School head
• Assistants
• Teachers
• Even some students
Final decision taken
by school head

6. Steps
in decision-
making process

7. Elements of Decision making
• A problem is fully analyzed and the possible alternatives are considered before
taking a decision.
• The best decision-making requires intelligence, experience and insight into a
problem.
• A decision is taken according to the environment of situation.
• Political and social environment also affect the decision-making.
• Centralization and decentralization of authority affect the decision indirectly.

8. Cont.….
• The psychology of an individual is involved in decision-making.
• Decisions are taken when they are needed.
• Employees are also involved in decision-making process.
If the management takes a decision after consulting the employees, the following advantages
may accrue:
• Better relations with employees
• Loyalty to the management.
• There is no hindrance in the implementation of a decision.
• Efficiency of the employees is increased.

9. Participative Decision making
It refers to the involvement of all personnel in all organizational
decisional-making

10. Advantages :
• It leads to improved decisions, More knowledge, experiences and
broader perspectives are made available, resulting in more alternatives.
• Group discussion rigorously evaluates alternatives for a better choice.
• Group participation broadens support and acceptance, necessary for
implementation.
• Easier co-ordination and cooperation. It develops 'into a sense of
belongingness ‘.
• Easier communication.

11. Disadvantages
• Group deliberations are time-consuming.
• Group compromise decisions may not produce the required
Actions.
• Dividual ownership of the decision(s) is lacking.

12. Conclusion
• A good school administrator should bear in mind people under
him/her (or their representatives) in decision are process, if good
and effective decisions are to be made.
The Oxford dictionary defines the team decision making as
’The action of carrying out or carrying into effect’.