Introduction to

Decision Making
Decision making is a critical process that leaders and organizations must
navigate to achieve their goals. This presentation will explore the stages of
decision making and examine several models that can be applied in a
government bureaucratic setting.

by Ibrahim Yusuf
Stages of Decision Making
Identify the Problem 1
Clearly define the issue or opportunity
that requires a decision.
2 Gather Information
Collect relevant data, research
alternatives, and understand the context.
Generate Alternatives 3
Brainstorm possible solutions or courses
of action.
Rational Decision Making Model
Define the Problem Identify Criteria Generate Alternatives
Clearly identify the issue and its Determine the key factors that Brainstorm multiple possible
underlying causes. will guide the decision. solutions.
Bounded Rationality Decision Making
Model
1 Limited Information 2 Satisficing 3 Heuristics
Decision makers have Decisions are made to Reliance on mental
access to limited satisfy minimum criteria shortcuts and rules of
information and rather than optimize. thumb to make decisions.
resources.
Incremental Decision Making Model
1 2 3

Identify Problem Evaluate Alternatives Select Solution

Recognize the need for a Consider a limited set of Choose the alternative that
decision. options that differ provides a small improvement
incrementally. over the status quo.
Garbage Can Decision Making Model

Fluid Participation Unclear Preferences

Decision makers come and go, influencing the Stakeholders may have ambiguous or
process. conflicting goals.

Problematic Solutions Timing

Potential solutions are often developed Decisions often occur when problems,
independently of specific problems. solutions, and stakeholders coincide.
Decision Making in Government
Bureaucratic Set-up

Formal Hierarchical Bargaining and Public Interest

Procedures Structure Compromise Decisions must
Decisions must adhere Authority and decision- Decisions often involve consider the broader
to established policies making power are negotiation and public good and
and regulations. distributed through the compromise among societal impact.
organizational various stakeholders.
hierarchy.
Conclusion
1 Importance of Decision 2 Understanding Models
Making Exploring different decision-making
Effective decision making is essential models can provide valuable insights
for organizational success and public for government bureaucracies.
service.

3 Continuous Improvement
Adapting and refining decision-making processes is crucial for meeting evolving
challenges.