Wk 1 Introduction Reading the newspaper, listening to a change management strategy at a department meeting, hiring a new mid-level manager – what do all of these activities have in common? Critical thinking is required in each situation to adequately assess the situation and act accordingly. We may not be aware of the frequency with which we employ critical thinking, but it is vital to good decision making. Without critical thinking, managers can fall into the habit of reacting on impulse, responding to gut feelings alone, or relying only on the advice of others when making important decisions. Understanding the relationship between critical thinking and decision making is the first step towards making wise decisions. This week's focus is on critical thinking and how it relates to decision making. Topics include defining critical thinking, benefits of thinking critically, and the relationship between critical thinking and decision making. Week in Relation to the course Good decision making is the backbone of sound management. The University of Phoenix nine-step decision-making model requires a sequence of steps leading to a sound, defensible decision. Critical thinking is a vital component of making good decisions, defining the decision-making strategy by analyzing the thinking process involved. A firm grasp of the critical-thinking components will equip managers to make sound, considered decisions. Discussion of a Key Point, Thread, or Objective Critical Thinking Definition and Benefits "Critical thinking is that mode of thinking - about any subject, content, or problem - in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully taking charge of the structures inherent in thinking and imposing intellectual standards upon them" (Paul & Elder, 2001, p. xx). Thinking is universal but critical thinking as a habit of life is evident in the lives of