Scribd
Upload
2 views3 pages

Lesson19_ProblemSolvingDecisionMaking

The document outlines the differences between problem solving and decision making, emphasizing that problem solving is an analytical process aimed at finding the best solution while decision making involves choosing a solution based on judgment and available data. It highlights the importance of these skills in various careers and provides a 5-step problem-solving strategy along with decision-making strategies. Additionally, it discusses the complexities involved in both processes and offers keys to effective problem solving.

Uploaded by

Jimuel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views3 pages

Lesson19_ProblemSolvingDecisionMaking

The document outlines the differences between problem solving and decision making, emphasizing that problem solving is an analytical process aimed at finding the best solution while decision making involves choosing a solution based on judgment and available data. It highlights the importance of these skills in various careers and provides a 5-step problem-solving strategy along with decision-making strategies. Additionally, it discusses the complexities involved in both processes and offers keys to effective problem solving.

Uploaded by

Jimuel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

LESSON 19

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

I. Problem Solving vs. Decision Making


Problem Solving
▪ an analytical method to identify potential solutions to a situation
▪ complex process and judgment calls, or decisions, may have to be made on the
way
▪ primary goal is to find the best solution
▪ involves identifying an issue, finding causes, asking questions and brainstorming
solutions
▪ gathering facts helps make the solution more obvious
Decision Making
▪ is the process of choosing a solution based on your judgment, situation, facts,
knowledge or a combination of available data
▪ goal is to avoid potential difficulties
▪ identifying opportunity is an important part of the decision-making process

II. Importance of Problem Solving and Decision Making


▪ problem-solving and decision-making skills are both important because they can
help you navigate a variety of situations that might come up at work
▪ they complement one another and can resolve many of the same issues
▪ both problem-solving and decision-making involve critical thinking
▪ problem-solving and decision-making apply to all careers and industries
▪ because both can help organizations by resolving complex situations and
problems, employers/managers/leaders typically value these skills in job
candidates
▪ they show you can think through various scenarios and make sound decisions
that are good for the organization
For Example:
A fire station may have multiple problems that all demand time and resources. A
Fire Marshall can decide which problems to prioritize. That includes making numerous
decisions as part of the problem-solving process and then following through with the
steps to fix the problem.

III. Appreciate the Complexities Involved in Decision-Making & Problem Solving


▪ Develop evidence to support views
▪ Analyze situations carefully
▪ Discuss subjects in an organized way
▪ Predict the consequences of actions
▪ Weigh alternatives
▪ Generate and organize ideas
▪ Form and apply concepts
▪ Design systematic plans of action

1
IV. A 5-Step Problem-Solving Strategy
1. Specify the problem – a first step to solving a problem is to identify it as
specifically as possible. It involves evaluating the present state and determining how it
differs from the goal state.
2. Analyze the problem – analyzing the problem involves learning as much as
you can about it. It may be necessary to look beyond the obvious, surface situation, to
stretch your imagination and reach for more creative options.
▪ seek other perspectives
▪ be flexible in your analysis
▪ consider various strands of impact
▪ brainstorm about all possibilities and implications research
problems for which you lack complete information
▪ get help
3. Formulate possible solutions – identify a wide range of possible solutions.
▪ try to think of all possible solutions
▪ be creative
▪ consider similar problems and how you have solved them
4. Evaluate possible solutions – weigh the advantages and disadvantages of
each solution. Think through each solution and consider how, when, and where you
could accomplish each. Consider both immediate and long-term results. Mapping your
solutions can be helpful at this stage.
5. Choose a solution – consider 3 factors:
▪ compatibility with your priorities
▪ amount of risk
▪ practicality

V. Keys to Problem Solving


1. Think aloud – problem solving is a cognitive, mental process. Thinking aloud
or talking yourself through the steps of problem solving is useful. Hearing yourself think
can facilitate the process.
2. Allow time for ideas to "gel" or consolidate. If time permits, give yourself time
for solutions to develop. Distance from a problem can allow you to clear your mind and
get a new perspective.
3. Talk about the problem – describing the problem to someone else and talking
about it can often make a problem become clearer and more defined so that a new
solution will surface.

VI. Decision Making Strategies


▪ decision making is a process of identifying and evaluating choices
▪ we make numerous decisions every day and our decisions may range from
routine, every-day types of decisions to those decisions which will have far
reaching impacts
▪ the types of decisions we make are routine, impulsive, and reasoned
▪ deciding what to eat for breakfast is a routine decision
▪ deciding to do or buy something at the last minute is considered an impulsive
decision

2
▪ choosing to marry is a reasoned decision
▪ decision making has much in common with problem solving
▪ in problem solving you identify and evaluate solution paths; in decision making
you make a similar discovery and evaluation of alternatives
▪ the crux of decision making, then, is the careful identification and evaluation of
alternatives
as you weigh alternatives, use the following suggestions:
▪ consider the outcome each is likely to produce, in both the short term and the
long term
▪ compare alternatives based on how easily you can accomplish each
▪ evaluate possible negative side effects each may produce
▪ consider the risk involved in each
▪ be creative, original; don't eliminate alternatives because you have not heard or
used them before
▪ an important part of decision making is to predict both short-term and long-term
outcomes for each alternative
▪ you may find that while an alternative seems most desirable at the present, it
may pose problems or complications over a longer time period

References:
▪ Birt, Jamie., 2025., Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: What's the
Difference? Available at https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-
development/problem-solving-and-decision-making.
▪ Cuesta College., 2025., Decision-making and Problem-solving., Available at
https://www.cuesta.edu/student/resources/ssc/study_guides/critical_thinking/106
_think_decisions.html.
***nothing follows***

You might also like