Introduction
In the present day world, corporate and professional executives are on higher demand. To be a good professional, irrespective of the field or sector, a person needs good decision-making skills. So, decision-making is of great importance in every person’s life, and this is especially so in the case of youngsters. Decision-making as a process can be defined as a process of purposeful selection of an action from the given set of alternatives in light of a given objective. This process also involves planning, controlling and coordinating.
Decision-making Process
Decision-making as a process involves certain steps, which can be summarized as follows:
- Identifying the purpose
- Gathering the most possible information
- Identify the principles and values for the judgment of alternatives
- Brainstorm and listing out the possible alternatives
- Evaluate each choice with reference to the consequences
- Determining the best alternative
- Implementing the decision
- Evaluating the outcome
Who is an adolescent? Why they need Care?
Putting in simple terms, adolescence period refers to the stage between childhood and maturity, occurring roughly between the ages of 10 and 20. It can be described as the transitional stage of physical and emotional development that happens between childhood and adulthood. The emergence of secondary sexual characteristics marks the beginning of adolescence period and it will be continued until sexual maturity is complete. The common changes during the period involve biological, social and psychological changes. Puberty, cognitive, emotional and social transformation which the person is experiencing includes the major changes during the period. The physical changes are also followed by psychological changes and it would be related to the adolescent’s perception about himself or herself. Bad eating habits which results in eating disorders, drug usage , depression , suicidal tendencies, behavior problems ( sometimes violent) , anxiety problems , stress related issues, sleeping disturbances and unsafe sexual engagements are the common disturbances experienced by the adolescents. This stage is a trouble period for many. So there comes the role of adults. The parents, teachers and other adults connected with the adolescents who work with adolescents, must be very sensitive to them and also about the physical and the psychological changes taking place during this period. The end of adolescence and the beginning of adulthood varies by country. There will be different ages at which an individual is considered mature enough to be entrusted with particular tasks depending on the country. During the adolescence phase, people usually get increased independence and it is allowed by the parents and other legal guardians. There is a very less amount of supervision which is contrary to the preadolescence stage.
Why young adolescents need decision-making skills?
Adolescence is a period where the opportunities to make decisions are increasing. The decision is on different issues. It can be about staying in a certain friends circle, education, lifestyle etc. Regardless of the type, the decision can bring severe consequences for an individual’s health, career, psychological well-being, and social acceptance. Right from the childhood, we starts making decisions. At that time it can be on what to play or what to study during a particular period. It also has its own consequences. But it is of a lesser magnitude. As they attain maturity, they starts taking more decisions and it would be of greater consequences. Generally, during the beginning of early adolescence, They tend to have more control which can be approximately equal to the adult. Decision-making, however, takes a gradual shift. Initially it will be completely controlled by the parents and while reaching the adult stage, it will be completely controlled by the young adult provided they are with the continued monitoring, input, and support from the parents. The ability to make decisions are closely connected with the age and maturity. One dimension approach is followed by young children whereas multi dimension approach is followed by the older ones. Some children are capable of making good planning and starts making choices by the time they reach 12.Generally this is the time which many are developing decision-making skills. Generally by ages 15 – 17, teenagers must be capable of decision-making and well equipped with relevant skills.
Decision-making will be valued as effective only when it produces desired outcomes. For that the choices must be consistent with the values and the information available. “The task of decision-making is to evaluate the available solution alternatives by comparing and judging them, and then to select the “best” one for implementation.” (Baron, p.170).
Decision-making is also based on the anticipated consequences and analyzing and evaluating alternatives. For making good decisions, adolescents need the ability to see various sides of a problem. They need to view the situation from different perspectives and to remain focused on long term and short-term consequences of the decision, which is related to them and also to others. For a good decision-making process, adolescents possess the perspective which motivates them for learning and retaining which can, in turn, help them to move comfortably in the social decision-making process. The situations may vary. But, generally, the decision-making will be focused around careers, college, relationships with parents or teachers, social positions etc. Theories and researchers proved that the significant instructional initiatives in educational time can yield more results in this count.
For getting good Decision-making skills, adolescents need varied opportunities to practice and discuss about the realities and possible scenarios. The commonly accepted strategies for this are provision of opportunities, role-playing, group problem solving, observing adults etc. The decision maker’s beliefs and values have a great influence on decision-making. It is commonly accepted that the adolescents often allow their emotions and desire to get along with peers to have influence in their decisions. So parents and adults should guide them on the consequences from the adult’s point of view and also on the influences and values. Generally, it is also learned from experience of researchers that the social programs can teach decision-making skills.
Conclusion
Decision-making skill is very necessary for any person to survive in life. People start taking decisions right from the childhood onwards. As discussed above, decision-making is a skill and it is learned through experience and exposures. One needs to get trained for making the right and sound decisions. Adolescent time is the best time for giving training for decision-making as it is the time which children usually develop attitudes, habits, and orientations toward thinking and learning which will be setting patterns for the future.
Works Cited
Baron, Jonathan. Stage 4: Decision-making. Teaching Decision-making to Adolescence. 1991. 2008. Web.