Rational Decision-Making Process

Your role as a leader of a decision-making or problem-solving meeting will require that you have an understanding of the Rational Decision-Making Process. This process provides a structured order and keeps participants’ attention focused on the problem.

Step One: Analyze the Problem

First, spend time leading the group while they analyze the problem. During this time, participants will contribute their perspective about the problem or situation that has brought the group together. This is not a time for participants to suggest solutions. Ensure that all participants have the opportunity to share their views about the problem. This is important because people from different sections of the organization may view the problem from entirely different perspectives.

Step Two: Define the Problem

After all participants have had the opportunity to share their perspectives relating to the problem, define the problem. Lead the group to consensus on a clear definition of the problem. Once the problem is clearly defined, you are ready to start the process that will move the group forward to a solution or recommendation.

Step Three: State the Desired Outcome

At this point in the meeting, participants have discussed and defined the problem. It is now time to state the objective or the end result the participants want to achieve. For example, a group of supervisors may be trying to determine an equitable system for scheduling. After discussing concerns raised by employees regarding the schedule, the group determines that their objective will be to develop a schedule that gives employees an equal number of weekends and holidays off.

Step Four: Generate Alternative Solutions

There are a number of ways that alternatives can be generated. The most common is by open discussion or brainstorming. The brainstorming process is discussed below.

Step Five: Use Consensus to Reach Agreement

Although voting is appropriate for larger groups, it generally should not be used in smaller groups, particularly when participants work with one another on a day-to-day basis. Voting creates winners and losers. Although both groups will continue working together after the decision is made, the losers may have a tougher time accepting the solution reached by the group. This is understandable, because their solution wasn’t the one picked. While reaching consensus is a more time-consuming process than voting, it is a process that builds group cohesiveness and commitment to reaching a workable solution.