Cataloging Information
Decisionmaking & Sensemaking
Problem solvers need to examine the differences that exist between decisions and the approaches available for making decisions. This short article presents four types of decisions problem solvers face and offers recommendations for each. These types of decisions include: zone of indifference choices, comparison choices, intuitive choices, and problem-solving choices. Zone of Indifference decisions happen when one choice is not better than the other. The traditional coin toss is usually a good way of approaching this kind of choice since it requires subsequent action. Comparison choices require an analytical approach because decision makers need to compare options based on common criteria. Intuitive choices require some level of past experience with similar situations to make the right choice. Problem-solving choices encourage discussion and negotiation of desired outcomes. For this, it is important to delegate responsibilities throughout the decision making process since problem-solving may take substantial time. Managers can use this article to measure how well they are approaching the choices they must negotiate on a daily basis.
Citation
Access this Document
Treesearch
publication access with no paywall
Check to see if this document is available for free in the USDA Forest Service Treesearch collection of publications. The collection includes peer reviewed publications in scientific journals, books, conference proceedings, and reports produced by Forest Service employees, as well as science synthesis publications and other products from Forest Service Research Stations.