List the steps and what needs to be established during each for Harris and Sherblom's DECIDE model for decision making and problem solving. Give an example for each step. (Examples may vary.)

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Sample student response:

Define the goal or problem—for whom is it a problem? What is the problem? Why, when, where, and how is it a problem? Example: The 5,000 jobs lost last year are a concern for the city, industry, housing market, and taxpayers, as they demonstrate a loss in growth and potential.

Examine issues preventing goal success—what is causing the problem and how severe is it? Is the goal satisfactory, realistic, or achievable? Example: The closing of major industries and lost jobs in higher education and the medical field seem to be the sources of the problem. This job loss is 50 percent more than in 2014. Our goal is to reduce the number of jobs lost by 25 percent.

Consider alternatives—what are the standards for solving the problems? What are the potential solutions? Example: Potential solutions are to rally for more state funding of higher education and medicine or to work at attracting new businesses.

Initiate a decision—which solution is the best according to the group? Because the state budget is being drastically cut, rallying for more state funds seems useless. Therefore, we should work to bring more new businesses to town.

Develop a plan—how will you implement a solution? Example: We will create tax cut incentives, build assistance programs, and step up public relations activities to attract growing industries.

Evaluate the results—did the solutions work? Was it too costly? Example: Although somewhat costly initially to the city and still high, the lost-job rate did drop 15 percent, which was better than for any other city in the state.