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Author(s):
Paul C. Nutt
Year Published:

Cataloging Information

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

NRFSN number: 16242
Record updated:

In this book, Nutt discusses why half of all decisions that are made fail, how a decision becomes a fiasco, and how failures can be prevented. Failed decisions occur as a result of three blunders (rushing to judgment, misusing resources, and applying failure-prone tactics) and seven traps (misleading claims, barriers to action, lack of direction, limited search and no innovation, misusing evaluation and ignoring risk, ignoring ethical issues, and learning failures). Following a discussion of these blunders and traps, Nutt offers eight steps that decision-makers can use to increase the likelihood of success in their next decision making endeavor. Throughout, Nutt provides real-life examples of both failed and successful decisions including an analysis of what went wrong with specific failed decisions and why. Nutt also comments on why specific decisions were successful and how to apply their success to decision making. This book is directed toward mid- and upper-level managers of organizations as well as those who work with them.

Citation

Nutt PC. 2002. Why decisions fail. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers. 332 p.

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