# Determining What Matters By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-07-17 When rational, organizational decisions are based on some assessment of value. Often, these are analyzed in terms of cost. An interesting aspect of organizational decision-making is that it is usually different, in terms of content, from how individuals make decisions. Organizational decisions frequently have more stakeholders than individual decisions. Consequently, one is often directed to consider more variables than one would consider on one's own. For organizations, it is important to determine what matters. When left undefined, there are only vague considerations. Making the elements of the organization's decision explicit is beneficial in terms of clarity, focus, and the ability to make analytic comparisons. Determining what matters allows one to collect data and compare. There are various approaches and techniques available for such a comparison. Whereas the outcome is important in decisions, discussing the elements of consideration and their relative weighting is often more informative. For some, a single element is all that matters. For others, a multitude of elements are equally important. For some, there are numerous elements, but the valuation of the elements is in a hierarchical relationship. There is no "right" answer. Each approach can be appropriate. When differences exist, it is unclear how the resolution should be reached. It is not uncommon for two approaches to dominate. There is either the democratic approach or the authoritarian approach. Under the democratic approach, people vote for their preferred method, and the approach with the most votes is selected. Under the authoritarian approach, whoever has the most power dictates the technique. There are pros and cons to each approach. Making rational decisions takes work. Collective decisions benefit from a shared understanding and commitment. Much of what humans do can be reduced to democracy or authoritarianism. Which approach is selected is a value judgment. Organizations frequently operate using both approaches simultaneously. This is as chaotic as it is inefficient. Clarity and consistency are powerful. People often adjust to systems that are not to their liking. Organizations should think strategically about whether they are committed to democracy or authoritarian operations. Once determined, this should be communicated to the workforce. Understanding what one values is essential for optimization and coherence. #### Related Items [[Organization]] [[Decision-making]] [[Value]] [[Priorities]] [[Hierarchy]] [[Authority]] [[Democracy]]