The following paper examines different theories on managerial decision-making and how this process is related to power and politics. Initially, the unitary approach is presented. The first decision-making model considered, is the rational model, focusing on the behavioural perspective. It is followed by the administrative model by March and Simon, criticizing the rational model and taking a realistic view, encompassing bounded rationality. The garbage can model developed by Cohen, March and Olsen is more a description of organizations confronted with various problems. Problems, choices and solutions are uncoupled, mixed and then satisfactory solutions are found. The second approach, called pluralist approach is exemplified by the political model evoked by Cyert and March. The existence of power is being seen as a source of influence, having strong impacts. In addition, different sources of power are examined and Lukes’ three power dimensions are described, including his radical view on power. The theories mentioned are supported by distinct examples. [...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Decision Making Models
- The Unitary Approach
- The Rational Model
- The Administrative Model
- The Garbage Can Model
- The Pluralist Approach
- The Political Model
- The Critical View
- Power
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines different theories on managerial decision-making and their connection to power and politics. It explores the rational model, the administrative model, and the garbage can model, as well as the pluralist approach exemplified by the political model. The paper also delves into the concept of power and its influence on decision-making processes.
- Decision-making processes in organizations
- The role of power and politics in decision-making
- Different models of managerial decision-making
- The influence of power on information and decision-making
- The importance of understanding power dynamics in organizations
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The paper begins by introducing the concept of decision-making in organizations and its significance for organizational success. It then explores various decision-making models, starting with the unitary approach, which includes the rational model, the administrative model, and the garbage can model. These models are analyzed in terms of their assumptions about rationality, information, and the role of power.
Next, the paper delves into the pluralist approach, specifically the political model, which emphasizes the role of power and politics in decision-making. It discusses how power influences information, negotiations, and decision outcomes. The paper concludes by examining the critical view, which acknowledges the dual reality of organizations – the operational system and the internal power struggle. It introduces Lukes' three dimensions of power as a framework for understanding power dynamics within organizations.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The paper's main keywords and focus topics include managerial decision-making, power, politics, rationality, the unitary approach, the pluralist approach, the critical view, the rational model, the administrative model, the garbage can model, the political model, and Lukes' three dimensions of power.
- Quote paper
- Antje Walliser (Author), 2002, Why managerial decisions have anything to do with power and politics?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/48504
