ERIC Number: EJ852558
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Nov
Pages: 32
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1052-6846
EISSN: N/A
The Myth of the Rational Decision Maker: A Framework for Applying and Enhancing Heuristic and Intuitive Decision Making by School Leaders
Davis, Stephen H.
Journal of School Leadership, v14 n6 p621-652 Nov 2004
This article takes a critical look at administrative decision making in schools and the extent to which complex decisions conform to normative models and common expectations of rationality. An alternative framework for administrative decision making is presented that is informed, but not driven, by theories of rationality. The framework assumes that as problem complexity increases, human capacity for rational analysis decreases, and the mind searches, instead, for heuristic and intuitive ways to reduce cognitive demands. The article provides a number of practical suggestions for improving administrative decision making that are drawn from my research with 92 public school principals. (Contains 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Heuristics, Decision Making, Principals, Intuition, Guidelines, Problem Solving, School Administration, Administrator Responsibility, Administrator Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: Administrators
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A