Overcoming Barriers to Individual Problem Solving

In addition to using the rational problem solving process, there are other specific ways individuals can manage their decision making more effectively.

    (a)    Set priorities

Assess problems according to importance and allocate time to them.

    (b)    Acquire relevant information

Managers need basic information to provide the essential structure of the decision making situation. They also need elaborating information use to evaluate the alternatives and finally performance information used to show the pay off or gain or loss to the organization.

    (c)    Proceed methodically and carefully

Managers should try and follow the decisions sequentially taking care of all relevant factors.

    (d)    Involve others

Since most decisions affect subordinates as they are the ones who implement them, forcing decisions on them may result into resistance for both genuine and non-genuine reasons. Involving subordinates may increase their esteem and morale and hence their acceptance of the decisions.

Note    

When decisions must be made quickly or time must be saved, managers should choose authoritarian decision styles (time efficient ones).
When managers wish to develop their subordinates knowledge and decision making skills, the more participative styles (time investment) will be selected.