title: The anatomy of a decision.
abstract: There is a decision-making pattern that applies in all situations large or small, though in small decisions the steps are not especially evident. The steps are: gathering information, analyzing information and creating alternatives, selecting and implementing an alternative, and follow up on implementation. The amount of effort applied in any decision situation should be consistent with the potential consequences of the decision. Essentially all decisions are subject to certain limitations described as constraints, forces, or circumstances that limit one's range of choices. Follow-up on implementation is the phase of decision making most often neglected, yet it is frequently the phase that determines success or failure. Risk and uncertainty are always present in a decision situation, and the application of human judgment is always necessary.
authors.affiliation: Employee Education and Development Institute, ViaHealth, Rochester, New York, USA.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: McConnell
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D012306:Risk