Decision Making

DECISION MAKING

The word decision has been derived from the Latin word "decidere" which means "cutting off". Thus, decision involves cutting off of alternatives between those that are desirable and those that are not desirable.

In the words of George R. Terry, "Decision-making is the selection based on some criteria from two or more possible alternatives".

Characteristics of Decision Making

            Decision making implies that there are various alternatives and the most desirable alternative is chosen to solve the problem or to arrive at expected results.

            The decision-maker has freedom to choose an alternative.

            Decision-making may not be completely rational but may be judgemental and emotional.

            Decision-making is goal-oriented.

            Decision-making is a mental or intellectual process because the final decision is made by the decision-maker.

            A decision may be expressed in words or may be implied from behaviour.

            Choosing from among the alternative courses of operation implies uncertainty about the final result of each possible course of operation.

            Decision making is rational. It is taken only after a thorough analysis and reasoning and weighing the consequences of the various alternatives.

TYPES OF DECISIONS

a) Programmed and Non-Programmed Decisions: Herbert Simon has grouped organizational decisions into two categories based on the procedure followed. They are:

i) Programmed decisions: Programmed decisions are routine and repetitive and are made within the framework of organizational policies and rules. These policies and rules are established well in advance to solve recurring problems in the organization. Programmed decisions have short-run impact. They are, generally, taken at the lower level of management.

          Non-Programmed Decisions: Non-programmed decisions are decisions taken to meet non-repetitive problems. Non-programmed decisions are relevant for solving unique/ unusual problems in which various alternatives cannot be decided in advance. A common feature of non-programmed decisions is that they are novel and non-recurring and therefore, readymade solutions are not available. Since these decisions are of high importance and have long-term consequences, they are made by top level management.

           Strategic and Tactical Decisions: Organizational decisions may also be classified as strategic or tactical.

       Strategic Decisions: Basic decisions or strategic decisions are decisions which are of crucial importance. Strategic decisions a major choice of actions concerning allocation of resources and contribution to the achievement of organizational objectives. Decisions like plant location, product diversification, entering into new markets, selection of channels of distribution, capital expenditure etc are examples of basic or strategic

decisions.

ii) Tactical Decisions: Routine decisions or tactical decisions are decisions which are routine and repetitive. They are derived out of strategic decisions. The various features of a tactical decision are as follows:

            Tactical decision relates to day-to-day operation of the organization and has to be taken very frequently.

            Tactical decision is mostly a programmed one. Therefore, the decision can be made within the context of these variables.

            The outcome of tactical decision is of short-term nature and affects a narrow part of the organization.

The authority for making tactical decisions can be delegated to lower level managers because: first, the impact of tactical decision is narrow and of short-term nature and Second, by delegating authority for such decisions to lower-level managers, higher level managers are free to devote more time on strategic decisions.