Decision making and indecisiveness : the impact on business in Durban.
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Date
2011
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Abstract
The only constant in the world is change. Organisations are constantly
bombarded by change that needs to be addressed by timely and effective decision
making. Changing a culture of indecision in an organisation is an enormous task,
which in some instances may take many years to accomplish. Decision making is
an important area of research and understanding the process by which individuals
make decisions is important to understanding the decisions that they make. The
decisions that individuals take affects the ultimate success or failure of an
organisation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of decision making
and indecision on organisations and to critically examine the attitudes and
perceptions of decision makers on organisational effectiveness. The sampling
technique used for this study was a purposive judgment non-probability sample
with a sample size of 117. The majority of the sample (78%) held managerial
positions. Judgment sampling may curtail the generalisability of the findings, due
to the use of individuals that were conveniently available. A questionnaire was
distributed via the Internet thereby excluding individuals without Internet access
from this study. Statistical analysis revealed that most organisations had good
decision making structures but individuals had difficulty in making decisions
instantly and that indecision existed in organisations. It also became apparent that
staff had confidence in their decision making and that they conducted research
before making decisions. The study revealed that organisations can address
indecisiveness through on-going involvement. To take this process forward,
organisations need to prepare individuals through training and information
sessions. Organisations therefore need to provide tools that ensure complete
information is available to employees in order for quick and efficient decision
making. This study was designed to help managers and other employees
understand the theories and practices of effective decision making so that they
can make better decisions in their personal and professional lives. It will benefit
organisations and their employees in understanding what they need to do in order
to survive in a fast moving and competitive environment.
Description
Master of Business Administration. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2011.
Keywords
Decision making., Business--Decision making., Theses--Business administration.