When it comes to administrative functions of educational organizations, ‘effective decision-making’ is its backbone. The reason behind this is that actions are directed by effective decisions. This not only seems to be the essence of Chapter 8 in Robert H. Palestini’s book but also of Fred C. Lunenburg’s article, “The Decision Making Process.” Both the book and the article provide varying aspects of effective decision-making and decision makers in educational organizations. Combing the the views of both authors, effective decision makers can be described as “[i]individuals or groups of individuals with a set of skills, knowledge, experiences, and values” (Palestini, 2011, p.158), who are keenly aware of the importance of properly identifying the problem and understanding the problem situation” (Lunenburg, 2010, p.3).
Based on the works of both authors, decision making can be defined as the process in which a group of alternatives “are carefully evaluated, and the best alternative is chosen for implementation” (Lunenburg, 2010, p.3). Palestini believes that "[s]uspending judgment about the correctness of an alternative facilitates creative thinking” (Palestini, 2011, p.176). Lunenburg also adds that the alternative is also evaluated after implementation so that its effectiveness, both immediately and in the long run, can be assured. Similarly, both authors seem to be emphasizing that administrative decision making is a rational activity. They refer to this as the rational model, according to which the goal of the decision makers is to find the best alternative so that the potential of achieving desired objectives can be maximized.
After reading the works of both authors, it becomes apparent that just about every administrative function in an educational organization is affected and influenced by effective decision-making. It also apparent that effective decisions are made at all levels in an educational organization, and “can have [] significant effects on the operation of educational organizations” (Lunenburg, 2010, p.1) such as “bring[ing] about the desired result while meeting relevant criteria and constrains” (Palestini, 2011, p.158). Although, the realities of life within an educational organization affects rational decision making, it is apparent that the works of both authors suggest that every administrator in an educational organization wants to make the best decisions.
References
Lunenburg, F. C. (2010). The decision making process. National Forum Of Educational Administration And Supervision Journal, 27(4).
Palestini, R. H. (2011). Educational administration: Leading with mind and heart. Lanham, Md:Rowman & Littlefield Education.
