Instrumental and rational views of

Decision-making

 Decision-making has five distinct phases:

1) Defining the problem
2) analyzing the problems
3) developing alternate solution
4) deciding upon the best solution
5) Converting the decision into effective action.’’ (Drucker, 1955:312).
 Decision-support systems, ‘’rational models’’ for decision making etc.
 Behavioral theories of decision
 Herbert Simon and the Carnegie-Mellon school of research.
 The ‘’cognitive revolution in psychology’’ in the 1940s and 1950a.
 Simon was awarded the Nobel Prize in economics in 1976.
 ‘’how decisions are made in practice rather than in theory?’’ the
overarching research question.
 In a society based on reason, rationality, and a conception of intellectual
human control over destiny, decision making is a sacred activity. The world
is imagined to be produced by deliberate human action and responsive to
human intention’’. (1994:216).
 ‘’ideas of willful, rational choice are the standard terms of discourse for
answering the generic questions: why did it happen? Why did you do it?’’.
(March, 1997:97).
 Garbage-can decision making

 Decision are not always preceded by perceived problems but instead

solutions ‘’may look for problems’’; a non-linear model of decision-making.
 ‘’Tossed into a garbage can is a loosely coupled mix of
1) problems or issues looking for solutions
2) solutions looking for problems to resolve
3) participants with different amounts of time and energy
4) Choice situations waiting to be actualized. (Powell, 1985:96).
 ‘’Decision rationality’’ vs. ‘’Action rationality’’

 Brunson (1982), follow prescribed decision making routines (decision

rationality) or a accomplish objectives (Action rationality).
 ‘’Much of the behavior in an organization is specified by standard operating
procedures, professional standards, cultural norms and institutional
structures. The terminology is one of duties and roles rather than
anticipatory, consequential choice.’’ (March, 1991:105).