Perception and Decision Making



Perception and Decision Making

Bobbye Miller

MGT 245

Organizational Behavior

Brian Jewell

May 3, 2009

Perception and Decision Making

Perception can be defined as, “…a process by which individuals select, organize and interpret their sensory impressions, so as to give meaning to their environment” (Introduction to Organizational Behavior). The process and the organization of perception is extremely important in any decision making endeavor. This is particularly the case in the business environment where there are numerous variables that have to be taken into consideration. The process of perception is required in making choices and selections that lead to decisions. In other words, perception takes place when the individual selects, organizes and interprets the various sensory inputs or impressions that he or she encounters. (Introduction to Organizational Behavior) Therefore, perception can be understood as a vital cognitive process that is responsible for interpreting, understanding and relating to the world around us.

It is also important to realize that there are no uniform perceptions of reality or the world around us that are experienced by everyone. Perceptions change or differ from individual to individual. This also relates to behavior and the way that, “… people's behavior is influenced by their perception of reality, rather than the actual reality” (Introduction to Organizational Behavior).

In essence, perceptions can be understood as the way that we see and decode the reality and sensations around us and select certain elements as being more important or significant then others. We make decisions the moment we employ perceptions to determine what is important and what is insignificant in relation to our intentions or aims.

The above discussion of perception can also be related to the decision- making process in the business world. Decision-making is a vital aspect of the modern business enterprise. Business leaders, CEOs...