Decision-Making Model Analysis

Running Head: Decision-Making Model

Decision-Making Model

Analysis Paper

Anonymous

University of Phoenix

This was posted on 8/9/05

There are several decision-making models to choose from in any given situation. Some of these models available on the Internet are the Responsible Decision-Making Model, the Ethical Decision-Making Model, the Ethics Toolkit PLUS Model, the Vigilant Decision-Maker Process, and some basic ones as well. In general, all decision-making models are the processes we use to make well-thought out decisions. There are three major elements of all decision-making models. These three elements are: how are criteria determined, how are alternatives generated, and how are alternatives evaluated against criteria (Scholl, p. 1). In this paper, we will use the Responsible Decision-Making Model to explain how the process works to help us make better decisions.

The Responsible Decision-Making Model

The Responsible Decision-Making Model is a Power Point presentation that was on the Internet (Scarbo, slides 1-18). There are six steps to this decision-making model. The first step is to clearly describe the situation either in writing or aloud. The second step is to list any possible solutions to the situation. The third step is to share the list of possible solutions with another responsible person because he or she may have other solutions to add to the list. The fourth step is to carefully evaluate each possible solution using the six criteria. We will look at these six criteria in the next paragraph. The fifth step is to make a final decision on which solution is the best one for the situation. Finally, the sixth step is to act responsibly and evaluate the results of the outcome from the solution we used to resolve the situation.

The Six Criteria for Step Four

The six criteria to use in step four of the Responsible Decision-Making Model are as follows (Scarbo, slides 7-8 and 16):

Will this decision result in a solution that will:

1) Promote my health and the health of others?

2) Protect my safety and the safety of others?

3) Protect the laws of the community?

4) Shows respect for myself and others?

5) Follows responsibly set guidelines?

6) Demonstrate that I have good character?

These six criteria encourage the use of critical thinking to evaluate the possible outcome of each solution. Critical thinking is very important to making better choices in life. When we don't take the time to analyze a situation, we seem to make the wrong decisions for everyone involved.

Our Example of this Model

To better understand how the Responsible Decision-Making Model works, we will view how it helped Robin Francis make a very important decision. A few months ago, Robin was working as a switchboard operator for St. Anthony's Medical Center (SAMC) in St. Louis, Missouri. She received