# The Dinner Decision Rule By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2022-10-31 People make decisions all the time. Often decisions are made without much thought. Occasionally, the decisions one faces require more work. Something as simple as determining where to go out to dinner can become a complex decision. Within the context of going out to dinner, one can observe some of the complexities which exist on a larger scale in organizational decision-making.  If determining where a group will eat was only about food, the decision would be easy. One would simply go to the closest store. This might be a restaurant, or it might be the gas station around the corner. Clearly, going out to dinner isn’t only about consuming food. If one is going out, one often wants it to be an occasion. As such, one is interested in the perceived quality of the food. Additionally, one might be interested in the ambiance. Already, the decision space is becoming more complicated. When determining where to go as a group for dinner, there are even more things to consider. If a person within the group has food allergies, this needs to be included in the decision-making. One likely wants to ensure that the type of food is enjoyed by each member of the group. Lastly, one might be concerned with how the selection reflects on the person making the decision. Finding the _right_ place, with the _right_ type of food, at the _right_ time, and at the _right_ location is no easy task. And yet, we make decisions like this all the time. Organizational decisions are often even more complex. Heuristics are useful in such a context. _The Dinner Decision Rule_ is offered to help inform complex, organizational decisions. Simply stated, _executives should spend at least as much time making decisions affecting the life and well-being of their workforce as they spend determining where they will go to dinner after the meeting_. #### Related Items [[Decision-making]] [[Organizational Analytics]] [[Heuristics]] [[Management]]