Decision Making Process Analysis

The decision making processes in educational institutions can be quite complex with the outcomes affecting several stakeholders. Tarter and Hoy (1998) analyzed six decision-making models in an attempt to determine which model was most effective: classical, administrative, incremental, mixed scanning, garbage-can, and political. The classical model is described by Tarter and Hoy as being an “optimizing” model, one that is straightforward: “there is one best solution to a problem; find it, select it and implement it” (p. 212). They define the administrative model as a modified version of the “optimizing” or classical model. Simon first identified this model in the 1930s as a result of finding that managers would often make decisions that were reasonable, but not ideal; in other words, the decision satisfied the situation but hardly maximized it (Brown, 2004). This administrative model is also referred to as the “satisficing” strategy. Some of these models are used in education to achieve the most suitable outcomes to the many challenges and questions which occur throughout the life of the institution.

The Classical model

Optimizing: Make the …show more content…
Decision making is a means to ends analysis: first, ends are determined, and then all the means to obtain them are sought. The test of a good decision is that it is shown to be the best means to achieve the end. This model engages in comprehensive analysis where all alternatives and all consequences are considered. There is a heavy reliance on theory. This decision making process is sequential and based on the rationality assumptions. It assumes certainty conditions surrounding the decision-making framework that traverses through three main activities: intelligence activity, design activity and choice activity. (Hucaynski and Buchanan 2001) have equated the rationality concept with scientific reasoning, empiricism and positivism and with the use of decision criteria of evidence, logical arguments and