Types of decisions

Living is choosing, it’s a constant change . In our everyday lives, we are all used to having to make decisions about a multitude of issues that affect us. Here we will make you aware about different Types of decisions.

From the most mundane decisions (what shirt am I going to wear today, what am I going to cook, what ingredients do I want on my pizza…) to the most important ones (what car do I buy, what do I want to be in life…), they all pass through the sieve of our emotions and our rational thinking .

Making good decisions: the big key to success in life

Making good decisions is a true art and there are many factors that influence us when making a decision . In general, the manuals indicate that good decisions are those made reflectively and rationally, using an analytical thinking style.

1. Rational decisions

For example, when buying a car, we would have to thoroughly compare the features and prices of various models and brands in order to reach certain conclusions about the suitability of each of the available options. They engage our analytical intelligence and make us weigh the pros and cons of the decision we are about to make.

2. Emotional and intuitive decisions

While it is true that when we rigorously analyze all the aspects to be taken into account, we are more likely to reach better conclusions about which is the most suitable car, in reality, not all decisions can be taken from this perspective. To a greater or lesser extent, all the decisions we make are influenced by a good dose of intuition and mediated by our emotions .

Following the example of the car, and although we can make a rational examination of makes and models and our demands for the car we want to buy, it is likely that we feel a certain predilection (perhaps unconsciously) for some brand or model above others and, although rationally, there are not enough reasons for this to happen. This is explained by heuristic thinking, and human beings make decisions that are greatly influenced by our hidden motivations and desires. And that doesn’t have to be negative! Maybe we end up buying a car that, from a purely rational perspective, is not the most appropriate one, but if we are happier with that decision… who can conclude that we did something wrong?

In fact, the important point when we are thinking about making a decision or another is precisely to bring out all our conscious and unconscious thoughts, from the most rational to the most intuitive and emotional, and find a satisfactory midpoint between the two factors .

The other 6 types of decisions

The decisions we make, in addition to the above, can be classified according to different criteria . In the following six points, I will describe decisions from an organizational and business perspective.

According to the forecast

If we take into account the level of structuring and forecasting with which we make them, we can talk about programmed and non-programmed decisions .

3. Scheduled decision

These decisions are previously described and established by some kind of more or less formal regulation and their execution is carried out based on a schedule. These are routine and strategic decisions that, in principle, are automatic and effective immediately.

4. Unprogrammed decision

They are not programmed or described in any normative text and occur as a result of the corporation’s interaction with the human and institutional environment. They are often spontaneous and often have a greater reach over time.

According to the urgency

Taking into account the level of urgency with which decisions must be taken:

5. Routine decisions

When the circumstances are similar and the context is also similar , companies are likely to find ways to establish certain recurring mechanisms for making decisions.

6. Emergency decisions

When the situation is unexpected and there are no precedents , companies must take special measures to adapt to the development of events.

According to the importance to the company

Companies must function properly in various fields: from daily routines to communicating with other companies or institutions. In this sense, we can divide the decisions according to this factor.

7. Strategic

These types of decisions delve into the company’s goals and try to translate those goals into specific development plans . These types of decisions are often what guide companies to success or failure, as they mark the way forward. These are decisions usually made by the CEO, the manager and/or the shareholders.

8. Operational

These are essential decisions for the proper functioning of the organization and one of its missions is to resolve conflicts between people, both from a human and work point of view. Its management must be careful, as operational decisions also include determinations about hiring and firing.