Relationship Of Critical Thinking And Decision example essay topic

Critical thinking and quality decision making are intimately related. Making good decisions involves using critical thinking skills to examine the available options thoroughly and picking the best possible course of action. However, there may not be only one "right" answer. Critical thinking skills allow us to "develop the best and most reasonable answer, given the nature of the problem and the available information". (Browne, M.N., Keeley, S.M., McCall, M.W., & Kaplan, R.E., 2001, 15) To further examine the relationship of critical thinking and decision-making, we will attempt to define both using materials from the course and my own opinion, describe how they relate to each other, and explain the benefits of critical thinking in my work environment. Critical thinking can be described as "an awareness of a set of interrelated critical thinking questions, plus the ability and willingness to ask and answer them at appropriate times".

(Browne et al., 2001, 5) The set of questions used are designed to actively define and analyze assumptions about the topic. Instead of passively reading or listening to ideas, critical thinkers ask questions to examine the point of view of the author and his or her assumptions and beliefs. One version of critical thinking labeled "strong-sense" critical thinking is defined as "the use of the same skills to evaluate all claims and beliefs, especially your own". (Browne et al., 2001, 22) By becoming aware of our own assumptions and beliefs as well as others, we are able to make sound decisions. Becoming aware of our assumptions and beliefs is critical to sound decisions making. "Decision makers are inseparable from the transactional context in which they are embedded".

(Christensen, S., 2000, May) It is impossible to completely separate Critical Thinking and Decision Making 3 oneself from the circumstances involved with making a decision. However, critical thinking questions can be used to recognize assumptions and beliefs present under the present circumstances. In my own opinion, critical thinking is being able to remove your self from the situation and decision making process. Stepping back from the problem and looking at it from a different perspective to gain additional insight.

Critical thinking is constantly asking questions and never assuming anything is true or sound. I believe by using critical thinking processes decisions are made more effectively and with less bias towards one belief or side of the argument. Critical thinking questions are used during most processes in my workplace. When decisions are made, it is evident that management has considered several perspectives during the process. The company's best interests are placed first but the interests of our customers are also seriously considered.

Recently, however, certain decisions seemed to be more biased towards making profit for the company. We have been running promotions to entice more customers to use our service by waiving some of our normal fees. This undoubtedly draws in more customers but not always for the right reasons. After the initial excitement of saving the cost of fees, customers typically realize they are in over the head and end up leaving. I believe this creates bad relations with customers and serious issues with account receivable. Despite these downsides, our company still makes a profit, but at the expense of customer satisfaction.

Critical thinking and decision making have a close knit relationship. Critical thinking is the process of examining a subject thoroughly to determine what assumptions or beliefs are present. Good decision-making requires us to use critical thinking concepts Critical Thinking and Decision Making 4 in order to make an un-biased conclusion. Used together, the two will lead to the best possible outcome given the circumstances..