Decision Making Model

There are many decisions that people make in life; however, the effort that goes into the decision shows the quality. So how does one make sound choices and good decisions, and what tools are available to aid in the decision making process? In the following are some decision-making models such as rational, political, process, garbage can, and the seven-step process. Provided is an example on how the seven-step process when applied in choosing a career path enable good sound decisions.

One methods of critical thinking is the Rational. This process uses a logical, chronological methodology, based off pre set goals and objectives and finding numerous solutions, choosing the one that best fits the objectives. This is a very simple model; however, it assumes that there will be no biases. The rational model is the baseline against which other models are compared (Allison, 1971; Cheshire & Feroz, 1989; Lyles & Thomas, 1988).

A second method is Political, which is more common in business situations. In this method, the decision maker may have multiple people working on a project. Each player may have a different agenda or solution and all will pitch their idea to the decision maker. The decision makers will chose the solution he feels would correct the problem. This method commonly has less conflict because players usually follow the decisions once a leader makes a decision. More specifically, this process involves each decision-maker trying to sway powerful people within the situation to adopt his or her viewpoint and influence the remaining decision-makers (Allison, 1971; Cheshire & Feroz, 1989; Lyles & Thomas, 1988; Schneider).

In contrast to the political model, the third basic model of decision making is more structured. This model is the process model. With the process model, decisions are made based upon standard operating procedures, or pre-established guidelines within the organization. Actions and behaviors occur in accordance with these procedures or guidelines (Cheshire & Feroz, 1989; Allison, 1971).

The fourth model of decision making is the garbage can model. This model is most appropriate for judgment tasks in organizations where the technologies are not clear, the involvement of participants fluctuates in the amount of time and effort given, and choices are inconsistent and not well defined (Cohen, March & Olsen, 1972; Lovata, 1987; Schmid, Dodd & Tropman, 1987).

The first step in the seven step process is to identify the decision being made. Before you begin gathering information, it is important that you have a clear understanding of what it is you are trying to decide. Some decisions you might be facing could include: Should I get a job? What kind of job do I want? Should I accept the position? When I first finished Devry I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life so I decided to start working and try to begin a career. I thought about the field of electronics.

Getting to know your self is the second step. Before you begin exploring careers and trying to identify jobs and careers which will prove satisfying, you must first develop a true understanding of you--your skills, interests, values, and personality characteristics. Questions you may want to ask yourself are: What is important to me? What are my skills, strengths, talents, or weaknesses? What am I most interested in, what can I get excited about? What are my longer range goals and objective? How does this job fit in? I new that I need to do something I liked and something I would not be bored. I also new I liked electronics, and that I was good at it. The most important to me was I wanted to make a career out of it.

To continue gathering information and researching careers, you will need to start the third step of identifying your