The Five Step Decision-Making Model

Decisions are made every day, and some do not have a lot of thought behind them. How can we develop a habit of carefully processing information in order to make intelligent decisions? This facet of corporate America needs more attention. This article offers one of two decision-making models and shows how it can benefit those who use it.

A decision making process based on data leads to good decisions. If those in the position to do so will remember how decision-making directly affects themselves and others, they will think a little more soberly about the process involved. The model discussed here is a five-step model and includes Framing, Deciding, Communicating, Implementing and Evaluating.

The first step in framing is to clarify the purpose and boundaries of the decision. This will set a tone for the process that needs to be implemented in order to achieve the best possible outcome. Clearly understanding the subject matter about which the decision is being considered aids in the overall decision-making process and is the foundation on which the outcome is based. Without a clear understanding, the other four steps will not result in a favorable outcome.

Once clarity is determined, the gathering of information comes next. During this step, some guidelines will be established that will make the next four aspects of decision making viable. Identified here are the people it will affect and exactly who is responsible for the final decision, whether an individual or group. Then a deadline for making the decision must be agreed upon or set.

When guidelines are set and the deadline is in place, the method for defining how the decision will be made comes next in this five-step procedure. Appropriate tools should be used for gathering data, integrating ideas with the data, and deciding if the responsibility for making the final determination is one individual or a group. There is a certain amount of decision making within the decision making model.

Communicating by summarizing the rationale for the decision and why it was made along with defining the steps used to implement the decision are the next two steps in this model of decision-making. Also in these steps is defining who will report the completion of certain steps within the decision-making model, and how they will do it.

Finally, there is the evaluation of the decision to be sure all steps have been accomplished in a satisfactory manner. If the outcome is not favorable, the decision-making group or individual should rethink the data used and start the process over.