Select a decision that Thomas is faced with. Research decision-making approaches and apply one approach to the decision. You will prepare a 2- to 3-page paper justifying your decision and describing the decision-making approach you used.

For this assignment, you will do the following:
•Locate three peer-reviewed articles in the CSU-Global Library on decision making.
•Read each article and consider your own opinion of the issue.
•Write a 2- to 3-page paper offering a decision based on the facts in this case. You should explain the decision-making style you applied to this case.
•Be sure to use effective written communication strategies to convey your ideas.

Your well-written paper should meet the following requirements:
•Be 2-3 pages in length
•Include at least three outside sources, in addition to properly citing information
•Be formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Guidelines
1. Leadership Decision Making

Leaders are often faced with decisions in their roles. Some of these decisions are complex and require a leader to consult other people and resources. These decisions are often referred to as nonprogrammed decisions. Other decisions are less complicated and are made based on immediate issues a leader must address; these are often referred to as routine or programmed decisions.

When a leader is faced with a more complex decision, he or she can choose from among several different styles a leader uses to arrive at a decision. One decision-making style is referred to as a directive style. In a directive style, the emphasis is on a simple and clear solution. An analytical style is used when a leader is considering a complex situation and has ambiguous information. These leaders will carefully analyze their decisions by gathering as much information as possible in order to solve a problem. Their goal is to arrive at the best possible answer. A leader using the conceptual style will consider a broad range of alternatives in an attempt to solve the problem. These leaders typically enjoy creating new ideas. Finally, a behavioral style is based on having a deep concern about the organization. Leaders using this style are supportive of others and want to help them meet their goals. They are open to suggestions from others when they make decisions.

The following illustration provides another look at decision-making styles:

Decision
Making Model Use This Model when:

Rational Information on alternatives can be gathered and quantified.
The decision is important
You are trying to maximize you outcome.

Bounded The minimum criteria are clear.
Rationality You do not have or you are not willing to invest much time to making the decision
You are not trying to maximize your outcome

Intuitive Goals are unclear
There is time pressure and analysis paralysis would be costly
You have experience with the problem.

Creative Solutions to the problem are not clear
New solutions need to be generated
You have time to immerse yourself in the issues.