Decision Making Styles
Styles
Refers to patterns we use when faced with
decisions
Many different ways to classify styles
Most describe styles using some elements
of logic and intuition
Impulsive Decider
One who takes the first alternative that is
presented: "Decide now; think later. Don't
look before you leap."
Can be panic, confusion or anxiety
Can be a decision of little importance
Fatalistic Decider
One who leaves the resolution of the
decision up to the environment or fate:
"Whatever will be will be."
‘I don’t mind what I do - whatever turns
up.’
Fatalists leave everything to chance.
Compliant Decider
One who goes along with someone else's
plan rather than making an independent
decision
"If it's OK with you, it's OK with me."
"Anything you say."
Often trying to please others
Procrastination Decider
One who delays thought and action on a
problem: "I'll think about it later."
One who avoids a decision or makes up
an answer to end the discussion.
Agonizing Decider
One who spends much time and thought
in gathering data and analyzing
alternatives only to get lost amidst the data
gathered
"I can't make up my mind. I don't know
what to do."
This person wants to make the ‘right’
decision.
Intuitive Decider
One who decides based on what is felt,
but cannot be verbalized: "It feels right."
Play-it-Safe Decider
One who almost always picks the
alternative with perceived lowest level of
risk.
" I like anthropology, but I can get a job in
accounting."
Planner
One whose strategy is based on a rational
approach with some balance between the
cognitive and emotional
These are organized decision makers who
consider alternatives and follow a strategy.
Style Quiz
I enjoy jobs that are:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Technical & well defined
Have considerable variety
Allow independent action
Involve people
I communicate best with others:
A.
B.
C.
D.
In a direct, one to one basis
In writing
By having a group discussion
In a formal meeting
When I am not sure of what to do I:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Rely on intuition
Search for facts
Look for a compromise
Wait before making a decision
When I am under stress I:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Become anxious
Concentrate on the problem
Become frustrated
Am forgetful
I dislike:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Losing control
Boring work
Following rules
Being rejected
Whenever possible I avoid:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Long debates
Incomplete work
Using numbers or formulas
Conflict with others
When time is important I:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Decide and act quickly
Follow plans and priorities
Refuse to be pressured
Seek guidance or support
In social settings I generally:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Speak with others
Think about what is being said
Observe what is going on
Listen to the conversation
Scores range among styles
Highest score is preferred style
Large difference among scores means a
stronger preference
Groupings of scores means more flexibility
in making decision
Add up the letters
– More A’s = Directive
– More B’s = Analytic
– More C’s = Conceptual
– More D’s = Behavioral
Decision-Making Styles
Tolerance for Ambiguity
High
Analytic
Conceptual
Directive
Behavioral
Low
Rational
Way of Thinking
Intuitive
Ambiguity – the condition of being doubtful
or uncertain
Rational – based on reason
Analytical
High tolerance for ambiguity
Gather as many facts as possible
Develop complex solutions
Enjoys challenging situations
Conceptual
High tolerance for ambiguity
Consider broad range of information
Intuitive and use interpersonal
considerations
Tend toward participative decision making
Behavioral
Low tolerance for ambiguity
Focus on people
Low data input into decisions
Enjoy cognitive simplicity
Deep concern for people
Directive
Low tolerance for ambiguity
Systematic
Technical in nature and based on facts
Tend to be autocratic
Use little information, consider few
alternatives, and tend toward control
Simple, clear-cut decisions
Efficient and rely on rules
Why do we care?
Affects amount of information needed for
decision
Affects others
Help you identify how you approach
decisions and whether you need to work
on a new style
Decision Making Styles
Dinklage, as referenced by
www.byu.edu/ccc/Career_Planning/assista
nce/decision.htm
My Decision – help
http://learning.staffs.ac.uk/careers/careersw
eb/cplanning/mydecisionhelp.html