In a theoretical model of decision making, a decision is defined as the process of selecting one option from among a group of options for implementation. Decisions are formed by a decision maker, the one who actually chooses the final option, in conjunction with a decision unit, all of those in the organization around the decision maker
who take part in the process. In this theoretical model, the members of the decision unit react to an unidentified problem by
studying the problem, determining the objectives of the organization, formulating options,
evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each of the options, and reaching a conclusion. Many different factors can have an effect on the decision, including the nature of the problem
itself, external forces exerting an influence on the organization, the internal dynamics of the
decision unit, and the personality of the decision maker.
During recent years, decision making has been studied systematically by drawing from such
diverse area of study as psychology, sociology, business, government, history, mathematics, and
statistics. Analyses of decisions often emphasize one of three principal conceptual
perspectives though often the approach that is actually employed is somewhat eclectic.(결정들에 대한 분석들은 실제로 사용되는 접근방식은 다소 절충적이긴 하지만, 흔히 세 가지 중요한 개념적 시각의 하나를 강조한다.)
In the oldest of the three approaches, decisions are made by a rational actor, who makes a
particular decision directly and purposefully in response to a specific threat from the
external environment.It is assumed that this rational actor has clear objectives in mind,
develops numerous reasonable options, considers the advantages and disadvantages of each option
carefully, chooses the best option after careful analysis, and then proceeds to implement it fully.