Decision making is a very critical aspect. It is an aspect that affect individuals at different levels for instance at a personal level as well as at an organizational level. This is because it determines the action to be taken in regard to different situations. When making a certain decision, it is important to consider all the involved elements in order to achieve the desired results and avoid consequences that would affect either party in a negative manner. Effective decision making however requires that an individual consider different strategic plans to allow for success in the practices and activities undertaken. It requires some objectivity as opposed to subjectivity or biasness, which is deemed to affect it negatively especially where a great number of people are involved.
Workplaces are associated with various activities some of them being complex while others are relatively manageable. In either case, effective decision making is crucial to allow for better plan of action, which is in turn linked with success and productivity brought about by efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out practices. Human beings are however susceptible to adhering to subjectivity as opposed to objectivity in order to have self gain and satisfaction or to help those with whom they have a certain relationship. I was once in charge of the human resource department in our organization and I therefore had a lot of powers in regard to what went on in regard to staffing aspects for instance selection and recruitment, staff appraisal as well as promotion and demotions. In my work, I always adhered to principles and rules that govern staffing principle so as to ensure that the workforce in the organization was competent enough to carry out their duties appropriately and hence keep the organization moving in the ever competing market.
I however went astray at one point when we were recruiting a technical sales person. As a routine, we advertised for the vacancy and various candidates applied and we short listed some for the interview. The tough task was now to select the best candidate for the job since at the end of the process; two candidates were thought to be relatively equal in competence. I was left with the task of selecting one of them and due to biasness, I found myself selecting my neighbour not because he was better but because I knew him. This was not objective and the selected individual did not perform as expected as he thought I was there to cover him up. This left other management team members to question my decision saying that maybe the other person would perform in a better way. If I had another chance to make such a decision, I would be very objective and consider the qualifications in line to the post involved and hence select on suitability of a candidate rather than on biasness.
From this discussion, it is evident that decision making is a very essential element, from an individual perspective as well as when taken from an organizational point of view. Decision making process should be procedural to ensure that all the important aspects are put into consideration hence allowing for success in the actions taken. Instead of just considering decision making process as an element of problem solving, it should be taken as a comprehensive process that not only focus on getting solutions to problems but also looking into the nature of the problems involved and how best they can be solved. Critical thinking in decision making is a very significant aspect that should always be considered if an organization is to be successful in its undertakings. Critical thinking is a tool that assists in the processes of inquiry and appropriate judgment which in turn allows for interpretation, analysis, evaluation as well as a justification of the considerations upon which a conclusion is drawn.