Decision making is vital for school administrators. Herbert Simon called it the "heart of executive activity" and Jack Duncan wrote that decision making is the one generic part of an administrator's job. Decision making involves a process that is influenced by information, situational constraints, values and beliefs. There are usually alternatives that require analysis and a choice, which results in action that should be evaluated.
2. Decision Making
The ability to make effective decisions
is vital to the successful performance
of a school administrator. Herbert
Simon has called it the heart of
executive activity and, more recently,
Jack Duncan writes that the one thing
generic to the job of an administrator
is decision making.
School Leadership and Administration
4. Decision making involves . . .
A process
Requires a perceived problem
Influenced by information
Influenced by situational constraints
Influenced by values and beliefs
Usually has alternatives
Requires analysis
Requires a choice
Results in action
Should be evaluated
5. Thoughts about Decision
Making
Decisions force us to foreclose other
opportunities
Most of us will do just about anything to
avoid uncertainty
There is no such thing as a prefect decision
maker
There is a big difference between a wrong
decision and a bad decision
Outcomes you can not control, but process
you can
There is no one archetypical decision
Some of our decisions will outlast us
6. History of Decision Making
Rational Decision Making
--characterized by written rules and
regulations; hierarchical control;
bureaucratic
Participatory, Shared or Site Based
Decision Making -- consensual,
based on goals, values, and beliefs;
open communications; equal status;
based on professional expertise
7. Strategic Decision Making Approach --
comprehensive; based on knowledge and
analysis of internal and external
environment; long range plan; extensive
involvement by participants; shared
philosophy and purpose
Situational Decision Making -- recognizes
ambiguity and uncertainty; culture and
climate are important; ethical dilemmas often
present; decisions often more process than
goal based; effectiveness and efficiency are
important elements
8. Why is it important
that you be clear
about your
decision making?