Page 29 - DCAP208_Management Support Systems

Management Support Systems

Notes Decision making proceeds sequentially: alternatives are examined one at a time and the
first satisfactory alternative that is found is selected.

2.3.3 Implicit Favorite Model

The Implicit Favorite Model consists of the following features:

It is descriptive in that it describes how decisions are actually made.
The decision maker seeks to simplify the decision making process by identifying an
“implicit favorite” before alternatives are evaluated; this often occurs subconsciously.

The decision maker is neither rational nor objective and unbiased.
After a “favorite” is selected, the decision maker tries to appear rational and objective by
developing decision criteria and by identifying and evaluating various alternatives;
however, this is done in a biased way so as to ensure that the favorite appears superior of
these criteria and thus, can legitimately be selected as the “best” solution.

In this model, “decision making” is essentially a process of confirming a choice/decision
that has already been made.

Notes The actual decision was made in an intuitive and unscientific fashion.

2.3.4 Political Model

The Political Model consists of the following features:

It is descriptive in that it describes how decisions are actually made.
The decision maker is neither rational nor objective and unbiased.
Since the group members have different agendas, they need to negotiate with each other.

The process involves a cycle of bargaining among the decision makers in order for each
one to try to get his or her perspective to be the one of choice – more specifically, to sway
powerful people within the situation to adopt his or her viewpoint and influence the
remaining decision makers.
This model does not involve making full information available, since it is based upon
negotiation that is often influenced by power and favors. In fact, information is often
withheld in order to better maneuver a given perspective.

In this model, potential problems and conflict often can be foreseen and minimized. Once
powerful people have been swayed to support a particular viewpoint, other group
members usually fall in line behind them.

The nature of bargaining and maneuvering (e.g., withholding information and social
pressure) can produce effects that are long-lasting and detrimental. Once they discover it,
the individuals involved in the decision may not appreciate the duplicity inherent in the
process.

Task Compare and contrast Implicit Favorite Model and Political model.

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