1. Decision Making Styles

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Intuitive Decider
One who decides based on what is felt, but cannot be verbalized: "It feels right."

9. 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."

10. 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.

11. Style Quiz

12. I enjoy jobs that are: Technical & well defined
Have considerable variety
Allow independent action
Involve people

13. I communicate best with others:
In a direct, one to one basis
In writing
By having a group discussion
In a formal meeting

14. When I am not sure of what to do I:
Rely on intuition
Search for facts
Look for a compromise
Wait before making a decision

15. When I am under stress I:
Become anxious
Concentrate on the problem
Become frustrated
Am forgetful

16. I dislike:
Losing control
Boring work
Following rules
Being rejected

17. Whenever possible I avoid:
Long debates
Incomplete work
Using numbers or formulas
Conflict with others

18. When time is important I:
Decide and act quickly
Follow plans and priorities
Refuse to be pressured
Seek guidance or support

19. In social settings I generally:
Speak with others
Think about what is being said
Observe what is going on
Listen to the conversation

20. 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

21. Add up the letters More A’s = Directive More B’s = Analytic
More C’s = Conceptual
More D’s = Behavioral

22. Tolerance for Ambiguity
Decision-Making Styles
High
Analytic
Conceptual
Tolerance for Ambiguity
Directive
Behavioral
Low
Rational
Way of Thinking
Intuitive

23. Ambiguity – the condition of being doubtful or uncertain
Rational – based on reason

24. Analytical High tolerance for ambiguity
Gather as many facts as possible
Develop complex solutions
Enjoys challenging situations

25. Conceptual High tolerance for ambiguity
Consider broad range of information
Intuitive and use interpersonal considerations
Tend toward participative decision making

26. Behavioral Low tolerance for ambiguity Focus on people
Low data input into decisions
Enjoy cognitive simplicity
Deep concern for people

27. 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

28. 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

29. Decision Making Styles
Dinklage, as referenced by
My Decision – help