Steps In Decision Making

In decision-making process steps normally refers to processes, procedures and phases which are usually followed for better decision. According to Stanley Vance decision-making consists of the following six steps: (1) Perception. (4) Deliberation. (2) Conception. (5) Selection. (3) Investigation. (6) Promulgation

1. Perception

Perception is a state of awareness. In a man consciousness arises out of perception. Consciousness gives tilt to the decision-making process. The executive first perceives and then moves on to choose one of the alternatives and thus takes a decision. Perception is, therefore, an important and first step without which decisions relating to any of the problems of the organisation cannot be taken. Other steps follow "perception" is the first step in decision- making.

2. Conception

Conception means designs for action or programme for action. Conception relates to that power of mind which develops ideas out of what has been perceived.

3. Investigation

The investigation provides an equipment with the help of which the manager tries to go ahead with a debate either in his mind independently or with his co-workers. Perception is a sort of location of the problem whereas conception is the preparation of design or programme for solving the problem. But only perception and conception cannot offer the solution. For solution investigation is to be carried out. Informations relevant to a particular concept is to be sought, acquired and then analysed. Relative merits and demerits of a different analysed concepts should be measured. Alternative course of action is to be thought, analysed and compared to. This needs investigation with which the manager should be armed.

4. Deliberation

Weighing the consequences of possible course of action is called deliberation. The manager may either weigh the relative merits and demerits and the following consequences in his own mind or share his mental exercise with others to equip himself better. The deliberations remove bias and equip the manager with different ideas and alternatives and help him in arriving at a decision which may safely be abscribed as good decision.

5. Selection

Selection is an act of the choice which in management terminology is known as decision. After deliberations one of the alternatives, the best possible in the circumstances, is selected.

6. Promulgation

Perception, conception, investigation, deliberation and lastly selection will carry weight only when selected - the chosen alternative, that is, the decision is properly and timely communicated to all those who are concerned and for whom the decision is meant. Only proper promulgation will help its execution. According to the views of Mrityunjoy Banerjee discrimination among the available alternatives is designated as the decision. For him also decision is an act of choice selection from different available alternatives. He is of the opinion that a decision like planning passes through the following five phases:

a) Defining and analysing the problem i.e., the act of perception.

b) Finding relevant fact, i.e., the act of conception and investigation. 

c) Developing alternative solutions i.e., the act of deliberation.

d) Selecting the best solution, i.e., the act of selection the choice the actual decision-making.

e) Converting the decision into effective action, i.e., the promulgation, with the help of which the decision so taken is effectively, properly and timely communicated to all concerned."