Organizations constantly make decisions, from hiring new staff to adopting new technologies. It’s natural to assume that these diverse choices require different approaches. In 1974, Roy proposed a classification of decision types that remains relevant today. Understanding this framework can lead to more effective organizational strategy.
The Four Core Decision Types
Roy’s model breaks down decision-making into four distinct categories:
1. Describing: This involves clearly outlining each possible alternative and its likely outcomes. The goal here is simply to understand what each option entails. This stage is crucial for providing a baseline of knowledge before further evaluation.
2. Sorting: This type of decision categorizes alternatives into defined classes or groups. For example, sorting potential vendors into “approved,” “pending review,” and “rejected.” This simplifies complex choices by reducing them to manageable buckets.
3. Ranking: Here, alternatives are arranged in order of preference, from best to worst. This is valuable when selecting from a pool of options where a clear “best” doesn’t exist but relative value matters. Think of prioritizing projects based on ROI.
4. Choosing: This is the most straightforward type: selecting one (or a combination) of alternatives as the final decision. This is where action is taken. However, even choosing can involve complex criteria.
Why This Matters
Roy’s classification isn’t just academic. It highlights that not all decisions are created equal. Treating a “choosing” scenario like a “describing” one (overanalyzing instead of acting) wastes time. Similarly, applying ranking to a situation where a clear winner exists (a simple choice) adds unnecessary complexity.
Organizations that recognize these distinctions can streamline decision-making processes, reduce confusion, and improve outcomes. By consciously applying the right method to each situation, businesses can avoid analysis paralysis and maximize efficiency.
In conclusion, Roy’s model offers a practical framework for organizing decision-making. By understanding the four distinct types – describing, sorting, ranking, and choosing – organizations can optimize their processes and make more informed choices.
