Critical Thinking and Decision Making

Critical Thinking and Decision Making

John Smith

Management 350

Mr. Larry Arillo

November 16, 2010

Critical Thinking and Decision Making

Critical thinking and decision-making go hand and hand. In this paper I intend to define and explain the similarities between critical thinking and decision-making. I will also touch on the benefits of critical thinking techniques as defined in the course material. Finally, I will illustrate some issues I have experienced in the work place as a result of poor decision-making.

Critical thinking is a way of thinking involving several elements. A critical thinker has the ability to identify problems. A person with true critical thinking skills can be a benefit to any organization. He or she has the ability to come up with viable solutions to make the best decisions. Thinking critically and logically does making an excellent decision. A critical thinker must consider behaviors, policies, processes, structure, core-values, ideas and options of those involved on the team. A critical thinker must be aware of his or her surroundings. They must also be able to recognize verbal and non-verbal communication. They need to understand the ramifications of their decisions.

Critical thinkers must make decisions that are best for the organization. They are obliged to think hard about why they are thinking the way that they are thinking. They must also be successful to engage those who will be responsible for executing any needed changes. They are triumphant in outlining and responding to questions regarding the information, which they present. The course materials for the most part concur with my assessment.

Browne and Keeley (2001) define critical thinking as consisting "of an awareness of a set of interrelated critical questions, plus the ability and willingness to ask and answer them at appropriate times."

A decision maker is someone who is charged with...