Problem Solving

SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL

DEVELOPMENT
CONTENT
oProblem and Problem Solving

oSteps in problem solving

oDecision making styles

oLeadership and its styles

oFactors affecting problem solving

PROBLEM?
A matter or situation regarded
as unwelcome or harmful and
needing to be dealt with and
overcome
PROBLEMS
Well-defined Problems
All information is given and clear
Examples: puzzle, crosswords, etc.

Ill-defined Problems
No appropriate information is available
Example: selecting profession, best strategy, purpose, etc.
TYPES OF INFORMATION
Givens: initial condition of the problem

Operations: various actions you apply

Goals: end solution or result always defined at beginning of the given

Problem state: in process to sort out (different possible solutions)

Solution: all resolved, goal achieved

PROBLEM SOLVING
It is part of larger problem process that includes

- PROBLEM FINDING

- PROBLEM SHAPING
PROBLEM SOLVING
MODEL
 DECISION MAKING
- We take decisions to solve problems

- Decision Making > Problems

- Steps of Decision Making/Problem Solving

Generating Selecting the Implementing

Problem Analyze the Analyzing the
possible best the problem-
definition problem solutions
solutions solution(s) solution
DECISION MAKER’S
NATURE
Reflexive
It is a person who thinks fast and makes quick decisions without getting
all the information he needs or giving too much thought to the
alternatives

Reflective
It is a person who takes long time and analyses the situation before
making a decision

Consistent
Balance between reflexive and reflective decision making is in
reasonable time
DECISION MAKING
STYLES
- Directive

- Analytical

- Conceptual

- Behavioral
DIRECTIVE STYLE
- choices on what is already known

- select the best option based on their previous experience without extraneous
input

- task-focused, results-oriented, rational, and logical

- most effective for recurring processes and short-term decisions

- relies the least on either data or other individuals' input, therefore, may seem
impulsive
ANALYTICAL STYLE
- careful analysis to determine the best answer

- task-oriented

- thoughtful and extensive examination of the available data and

information

- adaptable but retains control of the process

- can be time consuming

CONCEPTUAL STYLE
- holistic and long-lasting solutions

- vague situations involving unknown or evolving factors

- require long-term and collaborative planning

- willing to take risks

- planning and implementing ideas

BEHAVIORAL STYLE
- maintain harmony and find a solution that makes everyone happy

- situations where success depends on stakeholder buy-in

- seek advice from other people

- engages in the consultation process

- discomfort with conflict

WHICH STYLE IS THIS?
A company is trying to decide how to restructure its sales team. The
__________ decision-maker in this scenario would want to consider the
long-term goal of the company and integrate that with the current
needs of the sales team. They would also look at how other teams in
the company are structured and see if there are any best practices that
could be applied to the sales team.

A. Analytical
B. Behavioral
C. Conceptual
D. Directive
WHICH STYLE IS THIS?
A company is trying to decide how to restructure its sales team. The
__________ decision-maker in this scenario would want to consider the
long-term goal of the company and integrate that with the current
needs of the sales team. They would also look at how other teams in
the company are structured and see if there are any best practices that
could be applied to the sales team.

A. Analytical
B. Behavioral
C. Conceptual
D. Directive
WHICH STYLE IS THIS?
A company is trying to decide whether to outsource its production or
keep it in-house. In this scenario, a leader who uses the __________
decision style would want to compare the cost of production, the
quality of the product, and the delivery time. They would also consider
the impact on the company’s reputation.

A. Analytical
B. Behavioral
C. Conceptual
D. Directive
WHICH STYLE IS THIS?
A company is trying to decide whether to outsource its production or
keep it in-house. In this scenario, a leader who uses the __________
decision style would want to compare the cost of production, the
quality of the product, and the delivery time. They would also consider
the impact on the company’s reputation.

A. Analytical
B. Behavioral
C. Conceptual
D. Directive
WHICH STYLE IS THIS?
A company's mission is to streamline its customer service process. The
__________ decision-maker in this scenario would be more likely to
come up with a plan that includes standardizing the scripts that
customer service representatives use.

A. Analytical
B. Behavioral
C. Conceptual
D. Directive
WHICH STYLE IS THIS?
A company's mission is to streamline its customer service process. The
__________ decision-maker in this scenario would be more likely to
come up with a plan that includes standardizing the scripts that
customer service representatives use.

A. Analytical
B. Behavioral
C. Conceptual
D. Directive
WHICH STYLE IS THIS?
McDougal Bell LLC is preparing to open four new stores. Harold is the project
manager for one store and has four blueprint options to choose from,
including three drive-throughs and one walk-up option. Each of the versions
has already been built at least once. Harold requests data regarding
accessibility, maintenance requirements, profits, location in relation to other
businesses, and customer satisfaction for each blueprint type. After
analyzing all of his data, Harold chooses which blueprint to use.

A. Analytical
B. Behavioral
C. Conceptual
D. Directive
WHICH STYLE IS THIS?
McDougal Bell LLC is preparing to open four new stores. Harold is the project
manager for one store and has four blueprint options to choose from,
including three drive-throughs and one walk-up option. Each of the versions
has already been built at least once. Harold requests data regarding
accessibility, maintenance requirements, profits, location in relation to other
businesses, and customer satisfaction for each blueprint type. After
analyzing all of his data, Harold chooses which blueprint to use.

A. Analytical
B. Behavioral
C. Conceptual
D. Directive
WHICH STYLE IS THIS?
A team is trying to decide what software to use for their project
management. The __________ decision-maker in this scenario would
want to involve as many stakeholders as possible in the decision. They
would also consider using a voting process to make sure that the
majority of people are happy with the final decision.

A. Analytical
B. Behavioral
C. Conceptual
D. Directive
WHICH STYLE IS THIS?
A team is trying to decide what software to use for their project
management. The __________ decision-maker in this scenario would
want to involve as many stakeholders as possible in the decision. They
would also consider using a voting process to make sure that the
majority of people are happy with the final decision.

A. Analytical
B. Behavioral
C. Conceptual
D. Directive
LEADERSHIP
- Good decision makers can be good leaders

LEADERSHIP
The action of leading a group of people or an organization

QUESTION?
Is leadership genetic (by-birth) or a skill that can be learned?

ANSWER: Both, 30% genetic, 70% learned

LEADERSHIP STYLES
- Autocratic

- Consultative

- Participative or Democratic

- Laissez-faire
AUTOCRATIC
LEADERSHIP
- keeps strict, close control over followers by keeping close regulation of
policies and procedures given to followers

- tell the group members what they want to done and how they want it
accomplished, without getting the advice of the other

- makes decision independently

CONSULTATIVE
LEADERSHIP
- shares the problem with the relevant team members individually
getting their ideas and suggestions without bringing them together as a
group

- ask your team for information that would be helpful and for their
opinions, either individually or as a group, but you make the final
decision

- makes the decision that may reflect team member influence

PARTICIPATIVE
LEADERSHIP
- pull your team together to discuss the situation and decide as a team. You
facilitate their reaching consensus, where everyone agrees to support the
decision. As a member of the group, you must be willing to support the
decision as well

- involves subordinate in goal-setting, problem solving, team building, etc.

- will let the talents and potential skills of the team members to be made the
best use of particularly when arriving at decisions and taking the right course
of action

- final decision will always be taken by the leader

LAISSEZ-FAIRE
- the rights and power to make decisions is fully given to the worker

- try to give least possible guidance to subordinates and try to achieve

control through less obvious means

- believe that people excel when they are left alone to respond to their
responsibilities

- complete nonparticipation by leader

WHATS YOUR STYLE?
- Go to www.menti.com

- Enter code: 3952 7705

- Drag down and find the quiz

- Calculate your total

FACTORS AFFECTING
PROBLEM-SOLVING
FACTORS AFFECTING
PROBLEM-SOLVING
- Personality types

- Temperament

- Thinking patterns

- Skills and technical competency

- External environment
THANK YOU!