Definition of underlying Problems
Discuss About The Decision Making Processes In Organization?
Decision making and problem solving are very vital in all the organization’s managerial activities. It is important to note that even though the two defining characteristics associated with management can be interchangeably be used, contemporary literature actually makes the two terms to become alienated. Problem solving can thus be defined as being a mental and larger process which starts with the identification of the problem then ultimately ends through the assessment of viable solutions (Aken & Berends, 2017). On the other hand, decision making can be defined as being also a mental process that results in the identification of numerous alternative scenarios before ultimately arriving at the final selection.
It is quite a common fact that what is done in most contemporary organizations is solving problems and making of decisions. When individuals in the organization come across any new problems in the operations or decisions which have to be made, they usually react with decisions which seemed to have resolved such problems before. It is thus quite important to ensure that organized approaches are used to resolve problems and make viable decisions for the organization. However, it is important to note that not all the problems and decisions can be resolved using rational approaches. Putting in place effective frameworks that can be used for resolving of problems is quite important because not only will it help the organization to enhance productivity but it will also help it to increase its profitability. Some of the basic guidelines below will be quite helpful in ensuring that organizational problems are resolved amicably.
Recognition and definition of the problems facing an organization is usually the first step. This implies that organizational managers must have the ability of defining problems facing their respective organizations based on their planned objectives regarding what is wrong and what is right. It is quite important for organizational managers to ascertain the causes of the problems, ascertain where such a problem is occurring, and ascertain how such a problem occurs. Definition of the problem should be done through ensuring that it is broken down into steps. It is important for the managers to ensure that they verify problems for analysis through ensuring that they confer with the relevant stakeholders.
In case the organization is faced with numerous problems, then it will be prudent to ensure that they are prioritized so as to know which ones ought to be addressed first. It is also prudent for the organization to note the differences which exist between the urgent and important problems. This is due to the fact that at most times, what most people consider to be important problems ultimately turn out to be just urgent problems (Bolman & Deal, 2017). It is important for the organizational managers to ascertain or comprehend their roles in the existing organizational problems. This is attributed to the fact that understanding one’s role in the organizational problem greatly influences the manner in which one perceives the roles that have been taken up by other people.
Determination of the Significance of the problem
Upon the definition of the problem, it is important for the organizational managers to ensure that the significance of the problem is also determined. During this period, there is need for the top management of the organization to ensure that it focuses on the manner in which such problems had developed in the organization and also assess viable resources that will be required in order to resolve the problem. After knowing the problematic information, it should be the responsibility of the organization’s management to generate all the viable solutions that can be used in resolving the problem. It is thus recommended that the management of the organization should actually come up with a variety of solutions that can be used in addressing the problems that their respective companies or organizations are facing before the analysis process starts. In some of the times, solutions towards organizational problems may be quite simple and even easily overlooked as a result of heightened stress that is associated with the situation. The advantages and disadvantages of each of the solutions should be evaluated and then the management should finally select the best solution that can be used in addressing the specific problems raised.
Owing to the fact that both the problem solving as well as decision making processes are usually connected closely, it is important for the organization’s management to determine the type of motivation that will be used in the determination of the most useful brainstorming method that will be used. It is prudent for all and sundry to note that brainstorming is indeed a powerful and useful skill that is normally strongly used to focus on a specific topic over a period of time that is limited (Bryson, 2018). This is attributed to the fact that it presents different and even inspiring interactions for the stakeholders who are involved. Decision making is very important for the success of each and every organization across the world because it helps an organization to have smooth operations. This thus implies that tactics used in solving problems in an organization should also comprise of decision making processes which are quite strong. This implies that problem solving and decision making are not only related to each other but they are require creativity and skills.
It was ascertained that most of the problems in most organizations are usually caused as a result of lack of effective coordination and lack of sufficient exchange of knowledge as a result of ineffective communication between various stakeholders in the organization. It is beneficial for all the organizational stakeholders to discuss any new emerging ideas among themselves since not only does it give them an opportunity of expressing their differing points of views but it also helps them to expose the negative and positive impacts. Stakeholders can thus effectively communicate with each other on why they selected a specific solution. This is quite essential since it helps he stakeholders to enhance communication through utilization of experience and knowledge in order to get improved solutions that are capable of helping the organizations to attain its set goals and objectives.
Brainstorming as a way of resolving problems and making decisions
Research conducted indicated that decision making processes that involved teams were actually much better as opposed to the individual decision making processes. However, it is important for the management to note that there are usually some problems that can be encountered when dealing with a team and therefore they should ensure that the team members in the organization are handled carefully so as to make it an efficient and successful team (Salas & Martin, 2017). This is quite true since a team in any given organization may comprise of many individuals who not only come from different backgrounds but who also have different levels of knowledge and experiences. It thus becomes apparent that there may be higher chances of team members conflicting due to disagreements, ego, and even due to the clashing of their different thoughts and opinions. Team decision processes may also become hampered due to competition since most of the team members are keen on the building of their respective careers in a world that has become highly competitive.
The decision making process is quite essential in any new management era and the manager is known to take the most responsibility in the making of best decisions for their respective organizations. It is important for all and sundry to note that effective organizational decision making processes normally comprise of numerous steps which require inputting of information during the different phases of the decision making process and even during the feedback stage. Effective decision making will thus require the recognition of the decision’s requirement which can either be an opportunity or a problem (Zenger et al, 2017). While a problem is known to occur when an organization’s or company’s performance are unsatisfactory or below the target, an opportunity on the other hand normally happens when the organizational managers sees a good potential that will help the organization to seize chances that will help it achieve its set targets.
Conclusion
The management of organizations should always strive towards ensuring that creative problem solving skills are enhanced in their respective organizations. This is quite important since not only will it help in resolving conflicts but it will also help the organization to easily achieve its set goals and objectives thus increasing productivity and profitability. It is also prudent for the management of organizations to put in mind that problems are normally encountered in most of the organizations across the world and thus knowing the best way of resolving such problems is what will make them fail or succeed in their daily operations. Based on the above information, it is quite apparent that decision making and problem solving skills are indeed vital skills that can guarantee the success of most organizations across the world. People responsible for making decisions in the organizations should put more attention on ensuring that the quality of their respective decisions is enhanced.
References
Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2017). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership. John Wiley & Sons.
Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations: A guide to strengthening and sustaining organizational achievement. John Wiley & Sons.
Nickerson, J. A., Wuebker, R., & Zenger, T. (2017). Problems, theories, and governing the crowd. Strategic Organization, 15(2), 275-288.
Salas, E., & Martin, L. (2017). Decision-making under stress: economics themes and applications. Routledge.
Van Aken, J. E., & Berends, H. (2017). Problem solving in organizations. Cambridge University Press.