Principles of Decision-Making

In general, the following are the principles of decision-making:

1. Principle of Definition For the correct decision to be made, the leader must be aware of the exact problem. Once the real problem has been correctly identified and defined, a solution can be sought. Too often, time and energy are wasted solving the wrong problems.
2. Principle of Evidence Decisions must be based on some kind of evidence-backed judgment. Decisions made hastily and without sufficient evidence usually reveal to be incorrect. Every choice a decision-maker makes needs to be carefully considered and supported by facts.
3. Principle of Identity Different people have different perspectives on the same thing. The same fact could appear different to different people. When making a decision, it is critical to accommodate the viewpoints of all the people involved. Every person should be heard and their opinions carefully weighed before making a conclusion.

More Notable Principles

• Purpose-Driven People need a reason to participate in the process.
• Inclusive, Not Exclusive All interested parties in the issue should be involved in the collaborative process.
• Educational The process relies on mutual education of all participants
• Voluntary The interested parties must participate voluntarily.
• Self-Designed All parties have an equal opportunity to participate in the collaborative process. It must be explainable and designed to meet the circumstances and needs of the situation.
• Flexible The process should be able to accommodate changing issues, data needs, political environment, and programmatic constraints such as time and meeting arrangements.
• Egalitarian All parties have an equal access to relevant information and the opportunity to participate effectively throughout the process.
• Respectful The diverse values, interests, and knowledge of the involved parties must be accepted.
• Accountable The participants are accountable both to their constituencies and to the process that they have agreed to establish.
• Time-Limited Realistic deadlines are necessary throughout the process.
• Achievable The involved parties must make sure that the decision made is feasible.
• Openness Decision-makers should be accepting of the opinions of the community they serve.
• Responsiveness The needs of all involved parties must be met.
• Representative The decision should be made in accordance to the interests of the entire community.
• Stewardship All resources must be used carefully, lawfully, and in the interest of the entire community.
• Integrity Decisions must be made while following the highest of ethical standards.
• Equality Everyone should be served and reached by the decision made.

Principles of Making Good Decisions

These are the principles of good decision-making:

1. All actions should be proportionate to the outcome.
2. All decisions should reflect a respect for human rights.
3. We should be clear about our goals and what we want to achieve.
4. We should consider equality and diversity.