Rational Decision Making Model

A rational decision making model provides a structured and sequenced approach to decision making. Using such an approach can help to ensure discipline and consistency is built into your decision making process.

As the word rational suggests, this approach brings logic and order to decision making. Our rational decision making model consists of a series of steps, beginning with problem/opportunity identification, and ending with actions to be taken on decisions made.

According to Ohio State University management professor, Paul C. Nutt, we only get about 50% of our decisions in the workplace right! Half the time they are wrong, so there is clearly plenty of scope to improve on our decision making processes. Based on his research into over 300 decisions, made in a range of organizations, he discovered that

"some tactics with a good track record are commonly known, but uncommonly practiced."

Why? Well one reason that emerged from his research is that:

"too often, managers make bad tactical selections ..... because they believe that following recommended decision-making practices would take too much time and demand excessive cash outlays."

Nutt argues that using good decision making practices actually costs very little. Models such as our rational decision making model are essential tools to help you improve the way you make decisions.

This article is part of our series on decison making. Our first article, types of decision making outlines a range of decision making approaches. Rational decision making forms part of what we have termed types of decision, categorized by process. In this category we have put two contrasting approaches, that of rational decision making and that of judgement or intuitive decision making.

A General Rational Decision Making Model

Rational decision making processes consist of a sequence of steps designed to rationally develop a desired solution.

Typically these steps involve:

Identifying a problem or opportunity
The first step is to recognise a problem or to see opportunities that may be worthwhile. A rational decision making model is best employed where relatively complex decisions have to be made. The first decision making lesson should be to ask youself if you really have a problem to solve or a decision to make. Then read this article for more specific advice: Problem Solving Skill: Finding the Right Problem to Solve.

Gathering information
What is relevant and what is not relevant to the decision? What do you need to know before you can make a decision, or that will help you make the right one?

Analyzing the situation
What alternative courses of action may be available to you? What different interpretations of the data may be possible? Our Problem Solving Activity uses a set of structured questions to encourage both broad and deep analysis of your situation or problem.

Developing options
Generate several possible options. Be creative and positive. Read The Power of Positive Thinking for our five questions that create possibilities.

Evaluating alternatives
What criteria should you use to evaluate? Evaluate for feasibility, acceptability and desirability. Which alternative will best achieve your objectives?

Selecting a preferred alternative
Explore the provisional preferred alternative for future possible adverse consequences. What problems might it create? What are the risks of making this decision?

Acting on the decision
Put a plan in place to implement the decision. Have you allocated resources to implement? Is the decision accepted and supported by colleagues? Are they commited to to making the decision work?

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Strengths and Weaknesses of the Rational Decision Making Model

The main strength of a rational decision making model is that it provides structure and discipline to the decision making process. It helps ensure we consider the full range of factors relating to a decision, in a logical and comprehensive manner.

However, we should always remember that whilst the model indicates what needs to be done, it's often how things are done that characterizes effective decision making.

Paul C. Nutt's research illustrates that bad decisions were usually bad because two things were missing:

1. adequate participation of stakeholders in the decision making process;



2. sufficient time spent generating a range of possible solutions.

Too often those who should have been involved weren't, and solutions were proposed and acted upon too quickly. Often with disastrous effects!

A second weakness arises if we attempt to use the model in isolation. This is particularly important where complex or important decisions are involved. The principle assumption of the rational decision making process is that human beings make rational decisions. However, there are numerous factors which determine our decisions, many of which are not rational. In many situations decisions have to be made with incomplete and insufficent information. Judgement, intuition, experience and knowledge all come together when making decisions. This critical aspect is further explored in our article: Intuition and Decision Making.

Regardless of any perceived weaknesses these models are essential tools. A rational decision making model can help us to make better decisions - and thus help us to be better managers.

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