Decision-making Research Draft

Every situation in human life experience requires one to make decisions. However, not all decisions are right and good, and individuals making decisions should be careful when making serious life decisions. There are different criteria that scholars have come up with, which helps one make good decisions. Serious decisions are choices that an individual makes in life that are likely to have a great impact. Career change is one of them, and this paper seeks to evaluate my case study of a decision I had to make regarding changing my career from a wire technician to a law enforcer officer. Besides, it will discuss the various criteria and approaches that help one make a good decision proposed by various scholars.

Section 1

Definition of Good Decision-making

Decision making is the process of choosing the most viable option by collecting information, assessing it, and comparing alternative solutions (Chari, 2008). For the decision to be considered good, possible alternatives must first be evaluated and compared to identify which option is likely to have positive outcomes than the other. By critically comparing the alternatives, the decision-maker can notice the weaknesses, strengths, risks, and opportunities associated with each alternative. The ultimate goal is to make a decision with more strengths than weaknesses and more opportunities than risks. Besides, collecting information is also critical in making a good decision. To be able to compare the alternatives, there must be information to be analyzed. The information collected is what determines the best solution.

Additionally, good decision-making involves choosing actions that give the best outcomes for themselves and others. The decision an individual makes can affect people around them; hence, considering the effect of the decision on others is crucial. The impact of the decision is arrived at when evaluating the alternatives. The choices should impact others positively. Rausch & Arnold (2011) say that to make a good decision, one ought to enter the process with an open mind and not let their biases sway them. Everyone has their beliefs that influence how they make decisions. These beliefs form biases, and incorporating them in decision-making may not positively impact others.

What Constitutes Good Decision-making

Hal Mooz’s proprietary system for effective decision making provides several techniques that should guide one in making good decisions. One technique is that one should specify the decision and context. Usually, different contexts require different choices or decisions. Thus, the decision type should be specified and the context in which it occurs. Evaluating the context enables one to make choices that are viable in a particular environment. After identifying the decision type, an individual then identifies the decision frame to use. Again, the context will influence what decision frame to use. Different decision frames range from social, religious, political, economic, and ecological and depend on the groups of people affected. Some decisions are made better if approached from a political point of view, social, or religious. For instance, if the decision concerns marrying, an individual can approach it considering their partners’ social beliefs, culture, religion, and political stand. It is vital because the two partners must be on the same line.

Another factor is creating viable alternatives. As mentioned earlier, having alternatives enables one to choose the best option depending on the alternative’s evaluation. To choose the best choice, one must collect information on each alternative, assess it, and compare the possible outcomes. Through comparing the information collected on each alternative, it is easier to select the right option through the right judgment basis. Personal biases should not provide the basis for choosing the right decision. Mooz adds that it is vital for one to manage power and pressure. Power is a powerful thing that can make an individual make wrong decisions. Just because one is entitled to lead others does not mean that their decisions are always right. It is, therefore, crucial to monitor the power and pressure that comes from it.

Besides Mooz, other scholars have come up with crucial points on what constitutes good decision making. Higgins (2000) points out that individuals should identify their goals and objectives by noting the purpose of the decision to be made. For every decision made, there are goals and objectives that an individual expects to accomplish through the decision. If the decision made is inappropriate, it might be challenging to achieve the goals and objectives. Therefore, an individual ought to be careful in analyzing what they want to achieve to tailor the decision according to goals and objectives. For instance, if the ultimate objective is to pass an academic examination, then the decision must include what to do to pass an exam and study hard. Hence, considering goals and objectives is one way of achieving good decision making.

Considering the consequences that a decision is likely to bring out is vital in the decision-making process. Keegan (2009) validates this by saying that one should consider the consequences linked to choice and alternatives shortlisted. As mentioned earlier, determining the consequences of the alternatives requires one to collect information and evaluate it. Also, the consequences must be friendly to both the decision-maker and others around them. The decision chosen should promise positive consequences that will help an individual achieve their goals and objectives. Keegan adds that the decision made should be evaluated or tested to be sure it is working. 

Section 2

Discussion of the Decision I Made

The decision I made concerns changing my career from being a wire technician to a law enforcement officer. It was one of my hardest decisions that I had to make and indeed was a life-changing decision. Before I thought of becoming a law enforcer, I used to work in the military, from where I had resigned to take a job with AT&T performing the role of a wire technician. It was a good job as it catered for all my needs and those of my family. However, it was so tiring, and I considered changing my career to a cushier job. Nevertheless, becoming a law enforcer was influenced by the urge to have a less tiring job and my passion. Ever since I became an adult, I developed a passion for working in the military as a law enforcer officer, and it was high time I established the passion.

I consulted with my then-wife, whom we divorced later, and together we evaluated the impact the decision of becoming a law enforcer would bring to my family and myself. Firstly, she was on the same side as me and advised me to follow my passion. However, I had to encounter the consequences as I was the breadwinner of my family. The consequences were mainly based on economic condition because I had to go overseas and be deployed for training. Hence, my income would reduce by approximately $10 per hour. One of the major impacts of the decision was inadequate finances to cater for my family’s needs. Since I was the breadwinner, I had to cater for two car notes, day-care, utilities, wife’s schooling, and house rent.

Due to the financial constraints, I had to come up with alternatives that would help me complete the training and, at the same time, provide for my family. Therefore, I decided to borrow money from my mother, friends and took some loans. The finances got enabled me to cater to my family’s needs. However, it was a tough journey, but finally, I made it. Even though some things like my marriage fell apart, the decision of becoming a law enforcer made me who I am today, and I am confident to say that I made the right decision.

Evaluation of the Decision, Outcome, and What Could Have Made it Better

The decision was good and had a more positive impact on my life than negative. One outcome it had on me was that I suffered financial constraints that forced me to take loans and borrow from family and friends. It was not a very good experience, especially because I earned a considerable amount of money before I resigned from the wire technician job. Life changed for the worst; however, I gained a lot of support from my family and friends and financial organizations. The outcome did not have a long-lasting effect because, after the training, I managed to return all the money I had borrowed, meaning the decision was still right.

Another outcome the decision had on me was bringing an end to my marriage. Before making the decision, I had a wife, and I engaged her in my decision making. However, during my training overseas, we broke up, and we divorced. The major possible reason is that I was not around to keep my relationship with my wife lively. She probably felt lonely, and because I was busy chasing my dream, I did not notice it breaking up. Nevertheless, marriage could not have prevented me from achieving my dream of becoming a law enforcer. It was probably an eye-opener because I revealed my ex-wife’s true colors once we were apart. If I dwelled too much on preserving the marriage, it is unlikely that I would have become the law enforcer I am today.

As much as I deem the decision right and good, some other options could have made it better. The options could mainly have prevented the negative outcomes that I suffered. One of the options is that I could have waited for my wife to complete her studies to go overseas and settle there with my family. It could have prevented the breaking up of the marriage. The marriage broke up due to the long distance; hence, we could still be together if I went with my wife. Divorcing a wife, especially one who contributes to effective decision making and makes one a successful man, is not a good experience.

Another option that could have made my decision better was to start a side hustle or a business before being deployed for the training. In the business, I could perhaps have made my wife the manager to manage the business since I was always busy. I could not have suffered the business’s financial constraints because the business could be making a profit. Furthermore, I must admit that I did not critically collect much information to assess the implications of the decision I made, as Keegan (2009) proposes. If I critically evaluated possible alternatives, I could not have suffered that much.

Besides, I did not consider my goals and objectives as Higgins (2000) proposes. My ultimate objective was to become a law enforcer, have time for my family, cater to its needs effectively, and live a less stressful life.  If I considered the objectives, I could have made sure I have secured my family in all ways possible because I needed to prove to my wife that she helped me make the right decision. Despite the negative impact the decision had, it enabled me to live the life I always wished for and follow my passion. If I did not decide, I could still be a wire technician, looking weary and probably regretting why I failed to train. Therefore, the decision made me who I am today, proud of serving others as a law enforcer.

Section 3

What an individual should consider in making a Decision Concerning Career Change

Career change is a common major decision that many people make in life. It often comes from the urge to follow one’s passion or when an individual finds discomfort in their career. However, people make mistakes, and it is vital to avoid them by considering various things. One of the things is identifying the goals and objectives. According to studies, identifying goals and objectives before starting any project is critical for achieving success (Reymen et al., 2015). The primary reason is that they act as the guide and prepare an avenue for an individual. For instance, when one has well-defined goals and objectives, they already know what they want to achieve and at what specific time. Therefore, the decisions that they make will be according to the goals and objectives. Besides, goals and objectives promote planning and increase performance. Hence, when a decision is made, it is likely to be successful.

Secondly, individuals need to consider gathering enough information before making a decision. Experts say that decisions are made blindly, so it is important to collect valid and timely information (Borgo, Micallef, Bach, McGee & Lee, 2018). Gathering information is the first step to getting to the right decision. There are four steps that individuals can follow in gathering information. Firstly, the need to look for information on the situation regarding the decision to be made. Secondly, they need to talk to the people involved. It includes people who are most likely to be affected by the decision. Consequently, they are likely to contribute to making better decisions. Thirdly, they need to use other resources to find the facts and organize information as they gather it.

The third point to consider is to have choices that can be weighed against their decision. The alternatives should reflect different approaches to the problem at hand. They help in finding another solution as fast as possible if the major decision made fails. Fourthly, an individual should evaluate the consequences attached to their choices and alternatives before making the final decision on the career choice. It helps determine risks associated with the decision and deal with them as early as possible (Elwyn, Frosch & Kobrin, 2015). Lastly, they should consider evaluating their final choice to see if it was worth the sacrifice. Sometimes the decision made may not yield quality results, and if compared to the effort or sacrifice put in place, it may not be comparable. Additionally, it is critical to evaluate it to assess the strengths and weaknesses associated with it. Therefore, individuals should consider such things to make good decisions.

Conclusion

In summary, good decision-making is making the most viable choice by collecting information and assessing them to compare them. Good decision making for career change requires one to consider several considerations. One of them is to establish goals and objectives that an individual expects to achieve. Secondly, gathering information is critical as it enables to assess the alternative solutions. The alternatives should be weighed against the made decision to cover up the problem. It is also crucial to evaluate the consequences of each of the alternatives before making the final decision for a career choice.  Lastly, evaluating the final decision is also imperative as an individual can see the sacrifice’s worth. Therefore, individuals seeking to make decisions on a career change and other matters need to consider such things.

References

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Chari, S. (2008). Understanding and Enhancing Decision-Making Skills. International Journal of Clinical Leadership, 16(4), 13-26.

Elwyn, G., Frosch, D., & Kobrin, S. (2015). Implementing shared decision-making: consider all the consequences. Implementation Science, 11(1). doi: 10.1186/s13012-016-0480-9

Hess, J., & Bacigalupo, A. (2011). Enhancing decisions and decision‐making processes through the application of emotional intelligence skills. Management Decision, 49(5), 710-721. doi: 10.1108/00251741111130805

Higgins, E. (2000). Making a good decision: Value from fit. American Psychologist, 55(11), 1217-1230. doi: 10.1037/0003-066x.55.11.1217

Keegan, S. (2009). Qualitative research: Good decision making through understanding people, cultures and markets. Choice Reviews Online, 47(08), 47-4508-47-4508. doi:10.5860/choice.47-4508

Reymen, I., Andries, P., Berends, H., Mauer, R., Stephan, U., & van Burg, E. (2015). Understanding Dynamics of Strategic Decision Making in Venture Creation: A Process Study of Effectuation and Causation. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, 9(4), 351-379. doi: 10.1002/sej.1201