Introduction:
A conscientious manager analyzes a problem in her department. She identifies the problem, sets a reasonable objective, and establishes the importance of solving the problem by determining its effects. After considering the causes and developing alternative solutions she compares her possible solutions using applicable decision-making tools. Finally, she makes her decision, feeling confident that the right choice was made using all the available information and the best of her critical thinking skills. Unfortunately, this decision proved to be a disaster, both for herself and for the company.
Many good decisions get bad results. Why is this true? Following the decision-making model is an effective way to ensure that a good decision is made, but the implementation of the decision is the key to a successful outcome.
Week in Relation to the course:
Decision implementation requires a plan. Outlining the implementation steps, planning for resource allocation, and the creation of a realistic timeline are all necessary elements of an effective implementation plan. Planning exactly which steps to take to implement the decision allows for better follow-through on necessary tasks. Sticking to a pre-determined timeline keeps the steps of the decision on schedule and provides milestones for measurement. Without adequate planning for monetary and human resources, a good solution to a problem may never get past the theoretical stage.
Decisions generally result in change of some sort and resistance to the change should be anticipated. Good critical thinking skills are necessary to understand the perspectives and assumptions of others while the decision is being implemented. Skilled use of language for communicating the decision and strategies for gaining acceptance from key participants are essential for good implementation. Many a decision has been misinterpreted as a result of poor communication on the part of the decision makers. A contingency plan is essential for complex implementation processes. Think through the consequences of a decision, get backing from the powerful and have Plan B ready if the original implementation plan doesn’t work.
Discussion of a Key Point, Thread, or Objective
Ethics:
Dumping hazardous waste, using deceptive marketing techniques, manufacturing and selling products dangerous to the health of the consumers, and disguising losses to appease the shareholders are obvious ethical concerns. More subtle and disputable ethics might be involved in decisions to downsize or extend selective benefits. Ethics play a role very early in the decision-making process, namely at the time that an objective is set, and they continue to be a main consideration as alternatives are proposed, evaluated, and selected. “Ethics must be considered in all tough decisions because no decision can be ethically neutral” (Nutt, 1989, p. 398). Every decision must be evaluated for ethical compatibility with all of the participants and the organization.
During the implementation stage, a manager considers ethics when determining when and how to relay a decision, what type of communication to use, how to gain buy-in from the participants, and how to sell the decision to the influential people involved. Recent revelations of ethical discrepancies in major corporations have led to increased attention to ethical decision-making, putting pressure on individuals to appropriately determine ethical boundaries.
Practical Application and Questions for Thought:
The decision by a children's breakfast food distributor to purchase televised advertising during programming aimed at preschoolers dramatically increased sales in the United States. The same decision made in much of Europe would only increase lawsuits; as such advertising is not permitted during preschool programming time slots. Even in parts of Europe where it is not illegal, many people find advertising aimed at very young children unethical. A good decision made in one country will not necessarily be effective in another culture. Decision makers have to take cross-cultural issues into consideration when working in a global economy. Legal issues and conflicting ethical values can have an impact on the type of solutions considered and the way the decision is implemented.
Questions to Consider:
Problem 1. What are some common reasons for implementation failure?
Problem 2. Why do ethical standards vary from country to country?
Problem 3. What are some standard business practices in America, which could be seen as unethical in other countries?
Problem 4: How Tools, Readings, and Simulations Solidify Concepts
The Learning Team assignment for next week is an oral presentation of the material the team explored in their paper for Week Three. The purpose is to share insights on the comparison and contrast in organizational decision making processes and to improve student oral presentation skills. Online students will present a Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation with speaker notes.
The individual assignment, Decisions in Paradise, Part II, directs the student to use at least one of the decision making tools and techniques discussed in the course to aid in making the decisions his or her organization will face in its expansion onto the island of Kava. The focus is on the use of the tool and the processes involved in making the decisions, rather than on the decisions themselves.
Summary to Encourage Learning:
Bad decisions will fail because the basis for an effective solution is missing. Good decisions, on the other hand, have a high chance of success if the implementation takes ethics, communication, and timing into consideration. Good decisions do not become successful solutions until properly implemented.
Reference:
Nutt, P.C. (1987). Making tough decisions. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.