Critical Thinking Strategies in Decision Making

Critical Thinking

Teresa Powell

Mgt/350 - Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making

Lanny Shipley, Instructor

July 6, 2010

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Critical thinking the concept of analyzing and evaluating information that is generated by evaluation and observation in order to act in a certain way. Because critical thinking requires one to observe, analyze and reflect on a problem before making a decision, this helps the individual come up the best possible solution to the issue. Before making a decision, one should take as much time as needed or that is possible to come up with not one but various solutions. Critical thinking prevents one from jumping to conclusions or making rash decisions that may hurt in the long run.  

Examples of critical thought are asking difficult questions even when the answers are undesirable. By not avoiding those difficult or undesirable questions, one is better able to get to the root of the problem and not just skim the surface. Another example is being truthful with one’s self when analyzing the situation. A person would have to be truthful with any answers that are derived of the analyzing process. Critical thinking does not work if a person is lying to themselves about the real issue or the real answer to the problem.

“When grounded in selfish motives, critical thinking is often manifested in the skillful manipulation of ideas in service of one’s own, or one's groups’’, vested interest ().” This quote brings me to an experience I had at work a few years back. The company I worked with once made the decision to take their company global by expanding into foreign markets. I was given the task of coming up with a marketing strategy that would introduce the company to the foreign market and appeal to their new consumers. Marketing is definitely not my strong point; however, I knew this could open up doors for me if I was able to successfully introduce a marketing strategy that would make the company a success.

From the beginning I...