The big idea

Research in the area of problem solving has revealed two dimensions (Maier, 1963) that relate to a decision's effectiveness: quality and acceptance. The quality of a decision is dependent on your grasp and usage of the known facts. The acceptance of a decision is dependent on the reactions of the people who must action that decision.

The levels of quality and acceptance required vary from decision to decision. An effective decision is one that meets the predetermined levels of quality and acceptance required for that particular decision. This model (Figure 1) suggests that there are four decision-making styles: consultative, command, consensus and convenience. And they are determined by different levels of quality and acceptance.

Purpose

This model for decision making provides you with some basic guidelines for determining which decision-making style is appropriate for a given situation. It will help you determine if you have a style preference and what that may mean for how you make decisions.

The Tool

The tool takes you through the four decision-making styles. It can be done on your own or in a group. If you assess your own preferred style, you may want to check your findings with someone who knows you well. It is suitable for businesses of all scales and sectors. Allow at least one hour to reflect on the styles in depth.