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Problem Formulation and Identification

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RUNNING HEAD: DECISION-MAKING

January 11, 2009

Problem Formulation and Identification Every organization uses its own decision-making style. Some organizations prefer to use a rational style, which centers on facts and figures, and logical and scientific approaches to their problems. Other companies use an intuitive style, which focuses on emotional aspects of problems and gut feelings. Recently, a group of business students observed how decisions are typically made at their own places of employment. Kori at Prescription Solutions, Jacob at Combined Arms Training Center, Isela at Housing Authority of the City of El Paso, and Micah at Brown-Forman where each examined the strategy most often employed at their organizations. It was found that while each has its own particular style, there were many similarities. These working students also found that each style uses its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and explored how a problem can be described to stakeholders in a manner that is sensitive to their perspectives with various style approaches. Rational Decision-Making Rational decision-making is “a deliberate and logical approach” (Robbins, 2004, p. 21). When faced with a decision, a rational thinker will “emphasize facts, details, and rational cause-effect logic” (Robbins, 2004, p. 21). When a decision must be made, Prescription Solutions’ upper management executives consider three logical business factors: customer satisfaction, time, and money. The executives at Prescription Solutions realize one negative customer experience can result in many customers lost because people will discuss problems they experience with a company in nearly any setting: with friends, family members, or even with strangers in a line, so satisfying the customer takes precedence in every decision made. Time and money also consistently

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