1 Decision-Making Model Analysis Paper Chenista Rae Straubel MGT350 – Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making Ed Robinson, Instructor October 21, 2004 Abstract As a critical thinker, it is necessary often to gather and to review information expediently, make a decision based upon that available available information, and to move on. Often “gut” feelings based upon past experiences and immediate knowledge offer the quickest solution to lesser problems. problems. However research, interviews, and evaluation evaluation coupled with experience, knowledge, and “gut” feelings is a better better way to approach conflict. Evaluating criteria and solutions based on your values or those of society while focusing on possible consequences can help create a balance in your life and a flow in your critical decisionmaking processes. It is also important important to identify when issues, issues, conflict, solutions, solutions, or consequences are so highly emotionally charged that it may be necessary to bring in or to consult with an impartial outside authority. For the purposes of demonstrating specific decision-making models in this paper, I offer a real-life conflict. conflict. I walk the reader through each process or perspective offering insight into the reality reality and consequences of the issue. The decision-making models demonstrated include the Genetic Decision Model Mod el offered by Harmes and a modified version v ersion of the rational, seven-step decision-making model titled the bounded rational process. The Issue or Conflict to Resolve
2 I work in the area of research and development specializing in imaging, compression, and high-speed data transmission. With the war on terrorism, terrorism, research and development funding levels have been cut and much of the staff is operating at either half salary or no salary at all. Rumor states that there may be an opportunity for additional grant funding if we can make computer-based execution of tutorials available over 56k modems using analog telephone lines. Issues related to such such delivery are beyond the scope of those that can be controlled by a development team and not discussed within the confines of this paper. My employer has decided to pursue this outdated technology for reasons I cannot comprehend. They have retained a tutorial developer and he is getting getting paid very handsomely. I haven’t collected a full paycheck paycheck since June and my October paycheck was $500. I do not approve of my employers motives, morals, morals, or current set of values demonstrated in this decision. decision. My business decision decision remains how do I approach this issue and what are the consequences for which I must prepare. “What ought I do?” – Genetic Decision Making Model According to Harry H. Harmes, author of Genetic Decision Making Model, individuals make decisions differently based upon levels of maturity and conflict arises based upon values and morals. Harmes model uses uses a Bioethical Decision Making Model Worksheet (“What Ought I do”) developed by Dr. Jon Hendrix at Ball State University. University. The worksheet focuses on identifying identifying individual “I values”. The model demonstrates the following format as applied to the issue at hand. h and. Applying the “I value” Worksheet
3 In implementing this process, I identified the following values listed in order o f importance. I am a Christian Christian and I live purposefully for for Christ and for Christ alone: 1. Fait Faith, h, hop hopee and and love love 2. Power Power and and auth author orit ity y of the the ascension (not of this world) 3. Work Work/d /div ivin inee kno knowl wled edge ge 4. Total Total surren surrender der (purpo (purposef seful ul living in Christ)
5. 6. 7. 8.
Honesty Service Simplicity Whol Wholen enes esss (in (in Chri Christ st))
Applying the Bioethical Decision Making Model Worksheet 1.
Iden Identi tify fy the the prob proble lem m (Why (Why does does thi thiss crea create te con confl flic ict? t?). ). Th Thee conf confli lict ct ari arise sess beca becaus usee
I do not believe my employer employer is being honest or ethical. Five values involved in this conflict rated in order of importance are: 1) honesty, 2) service, service, 3) simplicity, simplicity, 4) work/divine knowledge, and 5) total surrender (purposeful living in Christ). 2.
Possi Possibl blee solu soluti tions ons:: 1) Commu Communi nicat catee my conce concern rnss with with the the hope hope of of dem demons onstr trat atin ing g
why abandoning further research and development of this technology makes good business sense. 2) Remain silent regarding the the project and my concerns, do what I am told to collect a paycheck (if collecting a paycheck is possible). possible). 3) Go along with the status quo and covertly pursue other employment or opportunities with a value-based and honest employer. 4) Abandon the project since there there is no funding (for me me anyway) so that I will not be the “fall guy” or “scapegoat” when the project doesn’t do esn’t come to fruition. 5) Take a giant leap of faith to move myself forward without burning any bridges at my present employ. 3.
Rank Rank the the solu soluti tion ons: s: #1 Commu Communi nicat cate; e; #2 Aband Abandon; on; #3 Fait Faithh-ba base sed; d; #4 Stat Status us
quo; and #5 Conform and deceive.
4 4.
List List 8 val values ues that that supp suppor ortt the the firs firstt ran ranke ked d choi choice ce:: #1) #1) Hon Hones esty ty;; #2) #2) Fait Faith, h, hope hope
and love; #3) Total surrender; #4) Service; S ervice; #5) Simplicity; #6) Work/divine knowledge; #7) Wholeness (in Christ); #8) Power and authority of the ascension. 5.
Whic Which h dec decis isio ion n did did you you rank rank last last?? Iden Identi tify fy 5 val values ues caus causin ing g the the last last plac placee
ranking. Last ranked solution: solution: Conform and deceive. Five values causing the the last place raking include: #1) Honesty (or lack thereof); #2) Service; #3) Simplicity; #4) Total surrender; #5) Wholeness (in Christ). 6.
List List the the fir first st choi choice ce,, poss possib ible le con conse sequ quenc ences es,, and and reas reasons ons othe others rs may may not not agr agree ee
with you. First choice: Communicate. Consequences and disagreements: 1) Job loss. Others may try to convince the “powers that be” that the technology is possible even if success is not probable; 2) Breakdown in the employer / employee relationship. Others do not place importance on honesty and integrity; integrity; 3) Alienation Alienation among peers. Divide and conquer doesn’t work in today’s team environment; and an d 4) Alienation in the job market. Since divide and conquer doesn’t work, I may create an “industry reputation” that I am uncooperative, a non-conformist, and/or not a team player. 7.
Rank Rank the the leve levell of conf confid iden ence ce you you have have in your your choi choice ce.. 1--1-------- 2-2--------- 3--3------- 4 high low confidence confidence
The Bounded Rational Process This decision making process is a modified or “enhanced” version of the rational, seven-step decision making process used to to make the “perfect decision”. This process automatically assumes that we do not have perfect knowledge, information is ambiguous, we have limited capacity to handle the complexity of situation fully, and we are not “perfect”
5 decisions makers because we often lack objectivity and measurable criteria for evaluation and feedback. The process involves the following following seven steps applied to the issue issue at hand. 1. Define Define the proble problem. m. I am having having difficulty difficulty balancing balancing my values with those of my employer as I feel my employer lacks honesty and integrity or that my employers level of the same does not meet or exceed my own. This is causing conflict conflict and imbalance. 2. Generate Generate possible possible solutions. solutions. #1) Communi Communicate cate my concerns; concerns; #2 Abandon the project project or the employer; #3 Remain silent; #4) Maintain status quo; #5) Leap of faith, leave the employer. 3. Assessment Assessment criteria criteria and consequences. consequences. Establish Establish an an objective objective that that will help you you measure measure the success or failure of the choice implemented. The objective is to maintain maintain my sense of honesty and integrity in the face of adversity and to stand with unwavering faith that the Lord provides for all my needs if I remain obedient to His word. 4. Best soluti solution. on. The best solution solution seems seems to be be to implemen implementt related related solutions solutions in order of of acceptable employer / employee relations. relations. The first solution solution is to communicate my concerns with my employer and give them a chance to explain or to help me to understand their motives. If this solution solution works, I will be able to maintain employ as well as my sense of integrity AND collect a paycheck. If communicating does not work, work, I have to abandon the project but not necessarily necessarily my job. When abandoning the project I must remain open that my employer will not receive this news gently and I have to be ready to take the leap of faith and have a plan in place to move my faith and life forward. 5. Implement Implement the chosen chosen plan. This I have have done. done. I first first discussed discussed my my concerns concerns with my employer and they were “semi” well well received. My employer is moving forward with the project. I am not going to continue continue to work on the project because I have not been paid.
6 I have invoiced for my past services. I have relocated myself to cut overhead expenses so that I can take lesser employ if necessary and I am maintaining contact with my employer with the intent to protect the relationship (not to burn the bridge). 6. Evaluate Evaluate the the success success of the the alternati alternative. ve. This remains remains to to be seen. I do feel better better about about myself but I am extremely poor and my standard of living (of this world) is at its all time low. 7. Modify Modify the decisio decision n and actions actions based based on the evaluat evaluation. ion. I am still still working working on this plan. I am seeking alternative employ as well as contract work and self-employment. Conclusion I believe that the “perfect” “perfect” decision cannot actually be made. I have a firm and unyielding faith that there is a larger plan at work though God and divine intervention will always take precedence over human interactions and decisions. decisions. We do the best we can, but when the hand of God comes down, we must be ready and willing to remain obedient and steadfast in our faith and in our love for Him. All that truly matters to me is that that the will of God is done. References Harmes, Harry H. and Hendrix, Hendrix, Dr. Jon. (1994-2004). Genetic Decision Making Model. Access Excellence, National Health Museum. Retrieved 10/21/2004 http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/AEPC/WWC/1994/genetic_decision_making.ht ml.. ml Vroom, V. H. & Jago, A. G. (1988). The new leadership: Managing participation in organisations. Englewood Cliffs, N. J.: Prentice Hall.
7 Vroom, V. H. & Yetton, P. W. (1973). Leadership and decision-making. d ecision-making. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press. Unknown. (1999, 2000). Group / Individual Level: Persuasion, Decision, Decision, Commitment – Decision-making. Holistic Management Pty, Ltd. Retrieved 10/21/2004. http://www.gurunet.com/query?s=decision+making+model
