Decision Making Styles

Styles Refers to patterns we use when faced with decisions Many different ways to classify styles Most describe styles using some elements of logic and intuition

Impulsive Decider One who takes the first alternative that is presented: "Decide now; think later. Don't look before you leap." Can be panic, confusion or anxiety Can be a decision of little importance

Fatalistic Decider One who leaves the resolution of the decision up to the environment or fate: "Whatever will be will be." ‘I don’t mind what I do - whatever turns up.’ Fatalists leave everything to chance.

Compliant Decider One who goes along with someone else's plan rather than making an independent decision "If it's OK with you, it's OK with me." "Anything you say." Often trying to please others

Procrastination Decider One who delays thought and action on a problem: "I'll think about it later." One who avoids a decision or makes up an answer to end the discussion.

Agonizing Decider One who spends much time and thought in gathering data and analyzing alternatives only to get lost amidst the data gathered "I can't make up my mind. I don't know what to do." This person wants to make the ‘right’ decision.

Intuitive Decider One who decides based on what is felt, but cannot be verbalized: "It feels right."

Play-it-Safe Decider One who almost always picks the alternative with perceived lowest level of risk. " I like anthropology, but I can get a job in accounting."

Planner One whose strategy is based on a rational approach with some balance between the cognitive and emotional These are organized decision makers who consider alternatives and follow a strategy.

Style Quiz

I enjoy jobs that are: Technical & well defined Have considerable variety Allow independent action Involve people

I communicate best with others: In a direct, one to one basis In writing By having a group discussion In a formal meeting

When I am not sure of what to do I: Rely on intuition Search for facts Look for a compromise Wait before making a decision

When I am under stress I: Become anxious Concentrate on the problem Become frustrated Am forgetful

I dislike: Losing control Boring work Following rules Being rejected

Whenever possible I avoid: Long debates Incomplete work Using numbers or formulas Conflict with others

When time is important I: Decide and act quickly Follow plans and priorities Refuse to be pressured Seek guidance or support

In social settings I generally: Speak with others Think about what is being said Observe what is going on Listen to the conversation

Scores range among styles Highest score is preferred style Large difference among scores means a stronger preference Groupings of scores means more flexibility in making decision

Add up the letters More A’s = Directive More B’s = Analytic More C’s = Conceptual More D’s = Behavioral

Tolerance for Ambiguity Decision-Making Styles High Analytic Conceptual Tolerance for Ambiguity Directive Behavioral Low Rational Way of Thinking Intuitive

Ambiguity – the condition of being doubtful or uncertain Rational – based on reason

Analytical High tolerance for ambiguity Gather as many facts as possible Develop complex solutions Enjoys challenging situations

Conceptual High tolerance for ambiguity Consider broad range of information Intuitive and use interpersonal considerations Tend toward participative decision making

Behavioral Low tolerance for ambiguity Focus on people Low data input into decisions Enjoy cognitive simplicity Deep concern for people

Directive Low tolerance for ambiguity Systematic Technical in nature and based on facts Tend to be autocratic Use little information, consider few alternatives, and tend toward control Simple, clear-cut decisions Efficient and rely on rules

Why do we care? Affects amount of information needed for decision Affects others Help you identify how you approach decisions and whether you need to work on a new style

Decision Making Styles Dinklage, as referenced by www.byu.edu/ccc/Career_Planning/assistance/decision.htm My Decision – help http://learning.staffs.ac.uk/careers/careersweb/cplanning/mydecisionhelp.html