One of the benefits of using intuition to make decisions is that it can
Show Intuition and Decision MakingUse your intuition and decision making becomes a lot easier. Well, many people believe this but is there any truth in it? And does it help you to make good decisions? More recent research into decision making has concentrated on how people actually make decisions. The classical view, based on a rational decision making model, is useful but does not fully explain how people actually make decisions. Rather, psychologists are suggesting that decisions are often made based on much more subjective criteria. These include a combination of judgements, tacit knowledge, intuition, and heuristics (simple and approximate rules or short cuts). This article is part of our series on decision making. The first article, Types of Decision Making, introduces a range of decision making approaches. This article discusses one of these in more detail and considers the relationship between intuition and decision making, and some of the more recent thinking in that area. The “Process” of Intuition and Decision MakingApproaches to decision making can be quite diverse, ranging from classical, rationalistic, decision making processes to a less structured, intuitive, decision making style. Rational decision making processes consist of a sequence of steps designed to rationally develop a desired solution. Intuitive decision making is almost the opposite, being more instinctive, subjective and subconscious in nature. One of the principle assumptions of the rational decision making process is that human beings make rational decisions. However, this is not always the case! There are usually wide ranging factors which determine our decisions, many of which are not rational. This is especially so when we remember that management is about dealing with people. In addition, many situations require decisions to be made with incomplete and/or insufficient information. Often management requires quick decision making, or judgements made under pressure. It is in this context that a more intuitive approach often develops. All except the most mechanistic of rational decisions must include some element of subjective judgement. Our decisions are based on judgements which are affected by a range of factors including our experiences, values, attitudes, and emotions. Judgement heuristic decision making uses simple rules and approximate short cuts to help us arrive at decisions. Drawing particularly on our experiences and attitudes, it does this by helping us to cut through the excessive information that can overload and delay decisions. Whilst useful in helping us to simplify complex situations, we must also remember that the subjective nature of heuristic decision making must also introduce elements of bias. This can be illustrated in the different types of judgement heuristics. For example:
It’s interesting to relate this theory to the work of successful manager and author, Jack Welch. Hailed as “manager of the century” by Fortune, Welch describes his approach to decision making in this quote:
Welch captures the essence of intuition and decision making. In contrast to rational decision making, intuitive decisions are less structured and involve feelings and perceptions rather than analysis and facts. Welch’s approach summarizes other theoretical elements of intuition and decision making. These include:
Making “Sense” of Intuition and Decision MakingAs managers trained or educated to be rational thinkers, we may be wary of combining intuition and decision making. However, academic research into decision making theory indicates there is a sound logic in reconciling the two. This is particularly important when we remember that decision making is rarely a precise, safe, fully informed process. Though not useful in every situation, wherever there is any ambiguity or doubt in our decision making, then there may be a place for intuitive thinking. An interesting area of development relating to intuition and decision making, is the work on sense making from organizational theorist Karl Weick. Weick’s work relates to our discussion of rational and intuitive perspectives, particularly the inclination of managers to think rationally about decisions. This despite the fact that these decisions are based as much on what they don’t know as on what they know! In such circumstances there is much to be said for decision making informed by intuition or heuristics. In his book: Making Sense of the Organization, Weick suggests:
Perhaps this is only highlighting what great managers know already. As Bob Sutton suggests:
Determining which type of decision making approach to adopt is essential for effective decision making. However, perhaps knowing how and when to combine rational and intuitive approaches is essential for effective management. Making Better DecisionsJudgement, intuition, experience and knowledge all come together when making decisions. Regardless of whether you believe in intuition and decision making, you’ll find more on these and other practical techniques in our related e-guides (below) or in Making Better Decisions. Use the tools in this guide to help your decision making:
See for yourself how intuition and decision making do go hand in hand. What are the benefits of intuition?While not infallible, intuition is invaluable. Intuition provides us with a “gut” response – an inner voice – beyond logic or learned responses, revealing both who we are and the knowledge we have gained. If we listen, we can benefit from the creativity it offers and the feeling of confidence that it brings.
What does it mean to use your intuition to make a decision?Intuitive decision making is the way people make decisions naturally, without the use of formal tools and procedures. Some talk about intuition as happening without any thought at all. Like “trusting your gut” or “using the force” in a sixth sense kind of manner.
Is intuition important in decisionIntuition plays an essential role for decision-making in rapidly changing environments; if there are contradictions in the data; ambiguity due to lack of data; or decisions that center on people (hiring, firing, or political decisions).
What is intuitive decision making quizlet?intuitive decision making. making decisions on the basis of experience, feelings and accumulated judgement.
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