Six-Step Approach of Problem Solving in Decision Making

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

Table of Contents

Introduction
The definition of the problem
Analysis
The Description of possible solutions
Assessment
The most optimal solution
Implementation of the decision
Conclusion
Reference List

Introduction

The difficulties that individuals and organizations encounter can be resolved if people define these problems identify the impact of external circumstances, and evaluate the strengths or weaknesses of possible strategies (Lussier, 2011, p. 93; Mundy, 2010). In many cases, a six-step approach to problem-solving can be a useful tool for finding the most optimal decision. This method is beneficial because it enables a person to single out the key components of a certain issue that appears to be very complex. Overall, this scenario shows that very often, there are unknown factors that can affect the outcomes of the choices that an individual takes. By considering the influence of these forces, one can better assess the positive and negative sides of various strategies. It is the central question that should be discussed in greater detail.

The definition of the problem

In this case, I need to place myself in the position of a person who should decide if it is necessary to accept the job offer from a company that gives a higher salary. In particular, the annual increase will equal $ 15 000. Furthermore, this enterprise promises to cover relocation expenses. Thus, this offer looks very lucrative. Nevertheless, I will need to start my work in this organization when my final examinations begin. Therefore, it may be necessary for me to postpone or even abandon my studies. My current employer encourages me to obtain a Bachelor’s degree that is one of the prerequisites for promotion. This enterprise agrees to finance my studies while the other company does not offer this opportunity to me. Thus, I need to decide whether I should stay or take a position in a different organization. However, there are other aspects of this problem, and they should not be overlooked. In particular, I should keep in mind that I do not know how the management of the new company will respond if I say that I would like to start my work after my final examinations. Additionally, I do not know how my current employers can react if I ask them to increase the amount of my compensation. Thus, in this case, the relevant information is not available, and this issue makes this problem more complicated because a person cannot accurately anticipate the consequences of possible steps (Cleden, 2012, p. 41; Butterfield, 2012).

Analysis

While analyzing this problem, I should first single out the main criteria according to which different options should be assessed. In particular, much attention should be paid to such issues as compensation, promotional opportunities, and the ability to attain professional growth. These factors shape the level of people’s satisfaction with their jobs (Nejati, 2013, p. 122; Hicks, 2004). The main difficulty is that I cannot evaluate every aspect of the new job. In particular, I do not know if the management of this organization will enable me to complete my studies. This issue is one of the top priorities for me because I have nearly received the degree. Additionally, I have no information about the working conditions of this company. Much attention should be paid to such issues as scheduling, opportunities for promotion, or the nature of the tasks that I will need to perform. Overall, in this case, it is not permissible to evaluate a job only in terms of compensation. This approach can prompt a person to make a wrong decision while evaluating different companies. Apart from that, I do not know how my current employers can respond if they learn about my intentions to leave. Furthermore, each of the possible choices has some limitations. If I reject the offer made by the other company, I may lose the opportunity to find a high-paying job. Nevertheless, if I choose to quit, I may not be able to get the degree, even though my studies have almost been completed.

It should be mentioned that I have worked with my current company for 11 years, and I can fully understand the requirements set by this employer. Furthermore, this organization helps me pursue my studies. Nevertheless, my annual salary is lower in comparison with the competing company. In turn, the new employer gives a higher wage, but it does not provide reimbursement to those workers who want to continue their education.

The Description of possible solutions

It is possible to consider three approaches to this scenario. In particular, I may decide to accept the position in a competing company. Furthermore, I may choose to complete my studies and remain in the firm in which I have worked before. However, there is a more complex solution to this scenario that does not give ready-made answers. In particular, I may ask the management of the new company if I can start my work after obtaining my degree. Additionally, I should learn as much as possible about my new position and the benefits that I can receive. Apart from that, I will need to discuss this issue with my current employers. In particular, I should discuss my compensation with the senior executives of this firm. This information will be essential for making a proper decision.

Assessment

The first two options have their strengths and weaknesses. These advantages and disadvantages can be related to such aspects as professional growth, compensation, or promotion. However, the first two approaches do not enable a person to consider various unknown factors that may profoundly influence future outcomes. As it has been said before, much attention should be paid to the differences in working conditions and the development of professional skills. In contrast, the third approach enables me to assess the positive and negative sides of the two employers.

The most optimal solution

Therefore, it is possible to argue that the third option is the best strategy that will be useful for minimizing potential losses. Therefore, I should first communicate with the management of the two enterprises. This interaction will help me acquire the relevant information that is necessary for making the right choice.

Implementation of the decision

I will need to take several steps to address this problem efficiently. At first, I will need to learn about the new company that intends to hire me. I need to get a comprehensive idea about the HR policies of this organization. Furthermore, I should discuss the terms of my employment more closely. During this conversation, I will need to mention my intention to receive a Bachelor’s degree. It is critical to stress the idea that these studies are of vital significance to me. Moreover, if I do not pass my final examinations, I will need to incur greater expenses in the future. At the same time, I should also discuss this job offer with my current employers. These people may improve the terms of my employment if they learn that other businesses want to recruit me. This strategy can lead to several possible outcomes. In particular, the competing company may let me start my employment after my final examinations. Therefore, I may choose to accept this job offer. If they insist that I should start working by the specific date, regardless of my final examinations, I will need to examine the HR practices of this organization. In this way, I will be able to determine if this organization will be a good employer.

At the same time, it is possible that the management of my current company offers me a higher salary. Additionally, they can recommend me for promotion. If they do it, I would prefer to stay in this organization. Nevertheless, the key task is to compare the work conditions in both enterprises. Admittedly, this strategy does not give a quick and definitive answer to this problem. Nevertheless, this approach will enable me to avoid potential losses.

Conclusion

Overall, this discussion shows that prior to making choices, people should determine if they have access to relevant information. One can argue that none of the options can be dismissed. In particular, a person can either accept the job offer or stay in the same company. In this case, much depends on the way in which the managers of the two companies can respond to the actions and intentions of a person. These responses are critical for evaluating each of these organizations. Moreover, one should not evaluate these businesses only in terms of the salaries that they offer. This assessment cannot give in-depth insights into the work of these companies. An employee should also examine the way in which these companies promote the professional development of workers.

Reference List

Butterfield, J. (2012). Problem-Solving and Decision Making: Illustrated Course Guides. New York, NY: Cengage Learning.

Cleden, D. (2012). Managing Project Uncertainty. New York, NY: Gower Publishing.

Hicks, M. (2004).Problem Solving and Decision Making: Hard, Soft and Creative Approaches. New York, NY: Cengage Learning.

Lussier, R. (2011). Management Fundamentals: Concepts, Applications, Skill Development. New York, NY: Cengage Learning.

Mundy, A. (2010). Journey to Quality Leadership. New York, NY: ASQ Quality Press.

Nejati, M. (2013). Frontiers of Business, Management and Economics: An Interdisciplinary Collection of Managerial Research Findings and Breakthroughs. New York, NY:Universal-Publishers.

Click Here To Order Now!