Main features/nature of decision making are as follows:
1. Decision Making Is A Selective Process
Decision making is the process of selecting a course of action from among many alternatives to solve problems. Managers have to consider the various factors before selecting a course of action. These factors involve nature of organization, existing working environment, objectives of the organization, time factors and so on.
2. Decision Making Is Human And Rational Process
Decision making is mental or human process and is needed in all types of organizations. A manager has to make mental exercise to study the impact of course of action before taking a decision. He/she has to invest personal skills, experience, knowledge and capability to study the course of action from various angles. Hence, decision making is common in all types of organizations. Therefore, it is known as human and rational process.
3. Decision Making Is A Dynamic Process
It is essential to consider time factor and existing environment, whenever any course of action is taken for implementation. Managers have to take decisions at the right time for its effectiveness. Besides, they have to consider future environments, which may affect future activities. Thus, decision making process is not static but dynamic process.
4. Decision Making Is Goal Oriented Process
Decision making focuses on the organizational objectives. In course of functioning many problems may arise in the organization. The management has to solve all the problems in proper time and also in a systematic manner by considering organizational goals. Thus, right decision at the right time contributes to achieve predetermined objectives within the defined time and standard.
5. Decision Making Is A Continuous Process
Decision making is a continuous process till the existence of the organization. In the course of regular performance, many problems may arise in different time and situation. Managers have to solve those problems in proper time so that the organizational performance is smooth.
6. Freedom To Decision-Maker
Managers have freedom to take any kind of decision. As a chief of organization, a manager may take any course of action to solve a problem by using his/her own logic, knowledge and experience.
7. Positive Or Negative Impact
A course of action may either have positive or negative impact on organizational performance. Managers have to consider, as far as possible, the positive impact of the action before coming to a decision.