What is decision making? Definitions and features of decision making

Decision making

Decision making is a process of selecting the best  among the different alternative. It is the act of making a choice. There are so many alternative found in the Organization and departments. Decision making defined as the selection of choice of one best alternatives. Before making decisions all alternative should be evaluated from which advantages and disadvantages are known. It helps to make the best decision. It is also one of the important function of Management. Without other management functions such as planning, organizing, directing, Controlling, staffing can't be conducted because in this managerial function decision is very important. Decision making is an essential skill for Operational team leaders. Applying a systematic method to solve problems is critical to team performance and the safety of operation.

Definitions

Stephen P. Robbins - "Decision making is define as the selection of a preferred course of action from two or more alternative."

Characteristics of Decision making

The following are the various characteristics of decision making:-

1.  Decision making is a continuous process.
2. It involves a choice and therefore presupposes the existence of alternatives.
3. Decision making is always purposive in that decision should aim at achieving some purposes.
4. It is an intellectual process supported by sound reasoning and judgement.
5. Decision making is all Pervasive in the sense that all levels of managers take decision, though at the impact and scope of decision vary.