The essence of management decision

Abstract

Management decision constitutes the most important thing that managers do. Given the significance and complexity of this activity, one would expect to find a literature in which there is general agreement as to its defining characteristics and dimensions. Such is not the case. Much writing that purports to treat various aspects of management decision takes place outside the organization or involves individuals who are not or are not likely to become practising managerial decision makers. The consequence of this diffused and disjointed approach is a general misconception of the essence of management decision. More specifically, there is a general lack of appreciation of what management decisions are, who makes them, and where they are implemented. Intends to correct these generic misconceptions by advancing a set of theories and concepts that embodies the essence of management decision. The assimilation of these perspectives and viewpoints should enhance the reader’s conception of what management decision is and is not thereby contributing to higher levels of decision success in organizations of all types.