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Author(s):
J. Edward Russo, Paul J. H. Shoemaker
Year Published:

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Hot Topic(s):
Topic(s):
Human Dimensions of Fire Management
Decisionmaking & Sensemaking

NRFSN number: 16248
Record updated:

As with any other skill, the ability to make effective decisions can be taught and improved upon. Russo and Shoemaker provide a guide to systematic decision making by delineating several key points in the decision making process. The first step in the process is to determine how to frame issues effectively. Once the problem/ issue has been appropriately framed, the next step is information gathering and intelligence. Through systematically collecting and using information, managers can reduce traditional decision making pitfalls such as overconfidence and availability biases. Russo and Shoemaker also offer advice on how to improve information gathering techniques. Once the issue has been appropriately framed and intelligence regarding your problem has been gathered, section three covers how to make the actual decision. The authors also discuss decision making in both an individual and group context. Crucial to becoming an effective decision maker is learning from mistakes, thus, the authors also discuss reasons why people fall into poor decision making patterns and how to improve feedback.

Citation

Russo JE, Shoemaker PJH. 1989. Decision traps. New York: Doubleday. 304 p.

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