Student Articles

Document Type

Working Paper

Publication Date

10-22-2017

Abstract

Critical thinkers who have good decision-making skills are essential to organizations who aspire to be forward thinkers and successful (Bednarz, 2013). When organizations ignore the importance of including critical thinkers as a part of the organization new ideas may not emerge, current processes may not be challenged, and changes may not occur. This results in organizations becoming stagnant, and having outcomes that stay the same (Bednarz, 2013).

There are many variables that occur because of ignoring the importance of critical thinking and decision-making skills. Stress and burnout can be a major contributing factor in an individual not being able think clearly and become indecisive. For example, the mental health profession is one of the many professions that experience a high amount of job related stress (Morse, Salyers, Rollins, Monroe-DeVita, & Pfahler, 2012). Currently, 21%-67% of mental health professionals report that they are highly stressed. The result of experiencing extreme levels of stress can result in mental and physical exhaustion that can manifest in various ways, such as low energy levels, depersonalization, increase in medical issues, and decrease in competency related to job duties (Morse et al., 2012). This can potentially contribute to organizational dysfunction (Stalker & Harvey, 2002).

This handbook will examine factors that can hinder the decision making process and the potential impact organizations may face when issues such as stress and burnout are not addressed. This resource will also explore what strategies may be helpful to organizations in addressing issues relative to decision-making, to promote shared decision-making, and stimulate cohesiveness within the organization.

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