(1) Define decision-making
Decision-making is the process of deciding on the course of action after gathering information on
different alternatives and carefully examining each possible solution/alternative that could be
employed in attempt to solve a problem. It is a process that is generally applied when important
decisions ought to be made
The role of decision-making for management and employees
It is a problem-solving approach whereby a specific course of action is chosen from various
alternatives. It helps decide on the final course of action after applying some criteria to
examine alternatives.
When properly evaluated decisions are made, wastage of resources such as money is
minimized.
The decision-making process includes identifying the best alternative and then employing
resources effectively, which in turn enable the organisation to reach goals and objectives as
desired.
(2) The conditions of certainty, risk and uncertainty
CERTAINTY
Certainty is the condition under which individuals are fully informed about the problem, alternative solutions are obvious and they like likely results of each solution are clear.
This condition means that both the problem and alternative solution are known and well defined. Decision making under the certainty is the exception for most middle managers, top managers and various professionals.
RISK
Risk is the condition under which individuals can define events, identify alternative solutions and state the probability of solution leading to the desired results. Risk exists when the individual has some information regarding the outcomes of the decision but does not know everything when making decision. Under the condition of risk, the manage may find it helpful to use probabilities.
UNCERTAINTY
Uncertainty is the condition under which an individual does not have the necessary information to assign probabilities the outcomes of alternating solutions. Infect the individual may not even be able to define the problem much less identify alternative solution.
(3) describe the characteristics of routine, adaptive and innovative decisions
Adaptive
organisational and managerial processes in search of improvement. Decisions about
continuous improvement is driven by goals of providing better quality, improving
efficiency and responding to customers.
Routine
Innovative decisions
(4) HOW the goals affect the business
mission statement it is where goals flow directly but specific.
department of the organization such as finance, sales, revenue of
the business and more.
The impact of goals in a business
• goals provide the business with guidance and agreement on how
the business is directed
• employees are encouraged and motivated, inspired by goals, so
that they can improve their performance within the organization
and achieve those goals and they receive the rewards.
• Effective evaluation of employee and the business performance,
and the control of business resource can be done through setting
effective goal.
(5) compare and contrast the rational, bounded rationality and political models of decision-making
RATIONAL MODEL
Prescribes a series of steps that individual/team should follow to increase the likelihood that their decision will be logical.
BOUNDED RATIONALITY
The bounded rationality is the idea that rationally is limited when individuals make decision, the human mind has only limited capacity to evaluate and process the information that is available. Therefor the individual making bounded decisions are bound to make satisficing choices in complex situations.
POLITICAL MODEL
The political model. In contrast to the rational, individuals in political model do not focus in a single issue but in many organisational problems that reflect their personal gaols. In contrast to the bounded rationality model, the political mode does not assume that decisions result from applying existing standard operating procedures, programs and routines.