Decision Making

Decision-Making Model Analysis Paper

Decisions! Decisions! Decisions! How do you make decisions? Have you ever asked yourself, "How did I make that decision?" Whether big or small, important or not so important, decision making is a process. Some people way the pros and cons while others may just flip a coin. Are decisions based on feelings, outcomes or information? Often times if we just go with our gut feeling will be miss out on important information that should be included in our decision.

Decision-making can be a cognitive process of selecting a course of action form various options. Some of us are logical. Some of us are risk taking. Either way such characteristics play a role in our decisions. In my experience decision-making can also be based on biases, past experiences, peer pressure, needs and even wants.

Recently, I had to make a decision about a new job opportunity. My employer offered me the opportunity to moving into a new job with new tasks and responsibilities. I had to consider the position, the responsibilities, the salary and all the alternatives. The opportunity offered a pay increase. It was a tough decision. Now, while I didn't realize it I actually used a decision-making model to decide upon my best option.

Rick Roberts, Director of Career Services at University of North Florida designed a 7-Step Career Decision-Making Model. Roberts believes information is power in decision-making. He states, the more information you have the easier the decision.

This Decision-Making Model gives structure while allowing one to process and identify necessary information.

Step One is to identify the decision to be made. In my case, the decision was whether to take a new job opportunity or remain in my existing position.

Step Two is to do a self assessment. At this point, I began to consider my needs and wants. Would the new opportunity really be something I would enjoy? Would it be challenging? This particular new opportunity was an office position. I am accustomed to working in the field. So I had to ask myself how will I adapt to the everyday office environment.

Step Three is to identify the options. I began to gather information about other potential opportunities that may soon be an option. Should I settle for this opportunity or what for one more suitable for me, is a question I proposed to myself.

Step Four is to gather information and data. I reviewed the salary potential of the job opportunity. I considered the current salary and potential future salary increase.

Step Five is to evaluate options that will solve the problem. In trying to make my decision, I listed the pros and cons. I thought about the potential disadvantages of leaving my current position.

Step Six is to select on of the options. At this point, Roberts believes you should have enough information to choose an option. In my decision, I had all the information I needed to make my decision. While, the