The process of taking decision seems very easy but actually it is not, it has six steps associated with effective decision making process whether the decision is programmed or non-programmed.
Decision Making Process
Decision making process consist of six steps recognition of decision requirements, diagnosis and analysis of causes, development of alternatives, selection of desired alternatives, implementation and evaluation and feedback.
Recognition of Decision Requirements
The need of decision occurs when there is problem or opportunity. Problem is the difference between the actual and desired goal. Opportunity is the potential seen that can exceed the specified current goal. In order to take the decision there must be awareness of problem or opportunity.
Diagnosis and Analysis of Causes
Once the problem or opportunity has been identified the understanding of situation should be refined. Diagnosis is the step in which the causal factors associated with the decision making process are analyzed. If you jump to see alternatives directly without exploring the cause of the problem then you can’t take the right decision.
Development of Alternatives
When the problem or opportunity has been recognized and analyzed, decision maker should begin to consider taking into action quickly. The next step is to develop possible alternatives solutions to solve the problem or avail the opportunity.
Selection of Desired Alternatives
When feasible alternatives have been developed, one must be chosen as solution. The selected alternative must be the most promising among several available alternative courses of action. The best chosen alternative should be the one which best fits the overall goals and values and also achieves the desired result with minimum use of resources and that should have least amount of risk and uncertainty.
This stage involves the selected alternatives come into action. The ultimate success of the chosen alternative depends on its translation into action because sometimes the chosen alternative remain the available solution but doesn’t come into action because of the reason of lack of availability of resources.
Evaluation and Feedback
[adsense1]In evaluation stage the decision maker gather information that tell the decision maker that how well the decision has been implemented and whether it is affective and obtaining desired results or not.
Feedback is important in decision making process because the decision making process can not be completed until decision maker gets the feedback from those on which the decision is implemented. It is important for decision maker to know the rejection or acceptation of the selected and implemented option.
In everyday life we often have to make decisions fast, without enough time to systematically go through the above action and thinking steps. In such situations the most effective decision making strategy is to keep an eye on your goals and then let your intuition suggest you the right choice.