Decision Making
Decision-making process is a series of steps taken by an individual to determine the best option or course of action to meet their needs. In a business context, it is a set of steps taken by managers in an enterprise to determine the planned path for business initiatives and to set specific actions in motion. Ideally, business decisions are based on an analysis of objective facts, aided by the use of Business Intelligence (BI) and analytics tools.
Proficiency Level
Basic
- Use sound judgement to make appropriate and timely decisions in well-structured or routine situations.
- Weigh the advantages and consequences of alternative options before deciding on the approach to take.
- Know when to escalate a decision to a higher level.
- Make decisions that have an impact on own area of responsibility.
Intermediate
- Use sound judgement to make appropriate, timely decisions in moderately complex situations.
- Make decisions with available information, even if such information is not fully conclusive.
- Evaluate situations objectively.
- Avoid making assumptions about the facts of a situation or the motivation of others.
- Make decisions having an impact on own team or other related teams.
- Appropriately solicit the input of those who will be affected by the decision.
- Set priorities in accordance with team/departmental objectives and strategies.
Advanced
- Use sound judgement to make appropriate, timely decisions in complex situations.
- Make decisions that may have a major impact on other functions.
- Make courageous decisions in the face of risks or uncertainty.
- Appropriately weigh the costs and benefits of an immediate decision versus further analysis.
- Predict how a decision will affect individuals and groups in the department and organisation and develop strategies to build support for the decision and overcome obstacles.
- Develop contingency plans prior to their need.
- Set priorities in accordance with organisational objectives and strategies.
Expert
- Use sound judgement to make appropriate, timely decisions in highly complex situations.
- Make key decisions that have an organisation-wide or strategic impact.
- Predict how a decision will affect key stakeholder groups (internal and external) and develop strategies to build support for the decision and overcome obstacles.
- Rapidly identify the key issues that need to be considered when making strategic decisions.
- Set priorities in accordance with organisational objectives and strategies.