Decision Process Selection Analysis

Decision situations should be resolved using appropriate decision processes. This model asks ten questions about your decision situation that are then used to determine an appropriate decision process. Answer each question Yes or No. Depending upon your responses to the questions, this tool recommends one of five decision processes. Enter your answers, then click Recommend. The most appropriate decision process for your situation is then displayed. Use this decision support tool to test different responses and to see how the result changes.

Please answer the following questions about your decision situation:

Input Questions	Yes	No
Is the technical quality of the decision important?
Is sufficient information currently available?
Is the problem structured and clearly defined?
Is acceptance of the decision by subordinates important?
If you make the decision, will it be accepted by subordinates?
Do subordinates share your goals for resolving this problem?
Are subordinates likely to strongly disagree about the decision?
Is it important to make this decision quickly?
Do subordinates need to improve decision making skills?
Are you concerned about the cost of staff time involved in making the decision?

Process Outputs	Scores
Autocratic Type 1 Solve the problem or make the decision yourself using information available at this time.
Autocratic Type 2 Obtain necessary information from subordinates; then decide the solution to the problem yourself.
Consultative Type 1 Share the problem with the relevant subordinates individually, getting their ideas and suggestions without bringing them together as a group. Then you make the decision, which may or may not reflect your subordinates' influence.
Consultative Type 2 Share the problem with your subordinates as a group obtaining their collective ideas and suggestions. Then you make the decision, which may or may not reflect your subordinates' influence.
Group Share the problem with your subordinates as a group. Together generate and evaluate alternatives and attempt to reach consensus on a solution. Your role is that of chairperson and moderator.

This decision aid is an extension of Vroom, V. H. and P. W. Yetton, Leadership and Decision-Making, Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburg Press, 1973.