Definition of Decision Making

1. Thorough, reflective and/or comparative analysis of one or more options that one has before oneself. Example a) once the secondary education period is finished, choose between going to university, looking for a job or both; b) select a new supplier to carry out the logistics of the products as part of the commercialization process.

2. Individual or joint initiative to advance on a particular issue. For example: a) management incorporates new machines that will optimize production times; b) take a big international family trip.

3. Group or council of a public or private organization that decides according to the power represented by the individual vote of the members.

Etymology: To take, of indefinite root. + Decision, by the modes of Latin decided, decisions.

Cat. grammatical: noun fem.
in syllables: to-ma + of + de-ci-sions.

Decision making

Gemma Alvarado
Lic. in Psychology. Prof. in Humanities

Decision making is part of our daily life, capable of having implications for oneself and/or other people. Every day we exercise a choice from a multiple range of options, so much so that we no longer realize that we are doing it in the most mundane matters, such as breakfast, walking or taking the bus to school or work, sleeping 5 more minutes or waking up 15 minutes before. However, as the day progresses and according to our occupations, experiences, needs, the decisions are complexifying to the point that they challenge our situation and comfort so much that they imply a deeper reflection to choose one or another option.

Decision-making process

Regardless of the type of decision, its complexity, or its consequences, all decisions have a process to be carried out that allows, in the best of cases, to decide in terms of one's own well-being. Various authors such as Canós et. Al. propose various phases or steps to follow in decision-making. Despite the fact that they are classified with different names, these steps encompass the same idea in any case and are mentioned below:

1. Identify the challenging situation: The first step is to identify the decision to make based on what we could call a problem or a situation that poses a dilemma and a decision to make.

2. Review available information: Before making any decision, it is always necessary to keep in mind everything necessary in terms of information to choose the path that best suits the needs of a person.

3. Analyze possible alternatives: A decision does not necessarily have two choice alternatives. Therefore, this step is very important, because by gathering information and carefully analyzing it is possible to find other decision alternatives that may be more useful than alternatives that are presented to the principle. In addition, it is also important to analyze the possible consequences that would come after one or another decision. Keeping in mind what the consequences are not only helps to have a clear picture when deciding, but also to anticipate future situations that may be challenging.

4. Choose an alternative and make the decision: once the previous analysis work is done, the most important step arrives. It is necessary to understand that in this step it is not about simply making the decision. It is necessary to keep in mind a strategic vision of the circumstances, the information and the alternatives available. It must be ensured that not only the best decision is made according to current needs, but also to anticipate future needs. That is why this step is essential when there is a strategic vision, because this way you take better part of what is being decided.

5. Final evaluation: once the decision has been made and, above all, having taken specific actions with respect to it, this last step is essential. The evaluation allows a review of the decision made, and with a retrospective vision, gives us the possibility to analyze our strategic vision and the functionality of our decisions. It is thanks to this step that over the years we learn to calibrate decisions and their possible impact, since we are based on past experiences and their consequences.

Myths about decision making

It is important to clarify some points that have been taken for granted in recent years regarding decision-making that need to be denied:

YO. Decisions can be rational or emotional. Although it is correct that a decision can be based on an emotional impulse or a rational analysis, it does not mean that they are exclusive. When making a strategic analysis, the emotional element of emotions is not left out. The more you try to make decisions thinking that they must be entirely rational, you make decisions that are partial because they do not consider other elements or factors.

II. Decision making is a subject widely used only in business affairs. Although there is a lot of academic production from the area of ​​human resources on the concept that has helped to better document this process, it is a subject that can be applied in any field and by any person. Not only the executive positions of large companies use these tools. People in general should learn to make decisions correctly and it is actually a process that we do all the time so we can refine the process by which we make decisions.