Business Decision Making - A Case Study

This study is a qualitative research approach in volving case study. The study is conducted through an in-depth investigation on the experience of managers in decision
making process in a manufacturing company. The study attempts to understand the actual decision making process in business environment and determine how the process
differs from the theoretical process laid out in textbooks. The study also tries to identify the pertinent factors contributing to an effective decision-making process focusing on human factors, such as psychological traits, behaviour and attitudes. The respondents of
the study comprised of four managers, three male and one female managers from four different departments. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, which were
tape-recorded with permission. Besides interviews, a few assessments were also given to managers to help understand their characteristics and attitudes in making decision. The
assessments comprised of Jung's Personality Typology (as operationalized in the Myers-Rriggs Type Indicator), creative assessment and conflict management style assessment. Findings showed that apart from Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities, human factors such as personality traits and psychological types also influence decision making. Findings also indicate that managers exhibit a few similar traits in making decision, such as resourceful, observant, enthusiastic, open-minded and innovative.