Problem Solving
Assignment Title
Problem Solving
Problem solving and decision making are often difficult but crucial processes than an individual has to go through be it their professional or personal lives. Problem solving should not be based on impulsive decisions but should follow a method where every decision or option is analysed and critiqued. Critical thinking is a must as it helps arrive at a solution without being bogged down or distracted by blocks that can be psychological or environmental. It also helps arrive at a solution objectively. Following a method or steps to solve a problem also ensures that every aspect of the problem is dealt with.
The Problem
I have been working in the company for eleven years slowly working my way up over the years. Having a Bachelor’s degree would help me apply for a higher position and more growth options. The Company has allowed me to pursue the course while working. Now that I am at the verge of completing the course, I have got an offer from another company with a significant pay hike and other benefits. My former supervisor has offered me this new job in recognition of my work in the previous company. Taking up the new position would entail starting a new job during my exams as well as learning to adapt to a new working environment.
Analysis of the problem
The problem in this scenario is more moral and ethical in nature than practical. Taking up the new job would mean that I would get $15000 more than what I am currently getting paid. I would also get a car allowance and relocation expenses. The current company not only took me in without a Bachelor’s degree but has also reimbursed by tution fees. Whatever I have learnt so far has been possible with the encouragement of the company as well as its flexible policy that let me work as well as study at the same time. The problem I now face is the loyalty towards my current employer and the desire to work in a new environment. It is a moral and ethical problem as leaving at this moment would be like taking advantage of my current employer for greener pastures.
Options
After weighing the situation in my head, I have come up with three options that i can consider. I can stay with my current employer and continue on my growth path within the company as they have helped me these years and I would be comfortable in the work environment. Option two is to take up the offer in the new company and try new avenues of growth. Option three is to complete my degree quit my present job, take a few weeks off and start looking for a completely different position in another company.
Evaluation of options
Before evaluating the options that I have, I have to understand the barriers I am up against. Barriers to decision making could be emotional, expressive, intellectual, environmental and cultural (Barriers, 2015). My problem is emotional as I tend to be extremely loyal and put the company over what I want. Option 1 is the easy way out as I would not have to deal with the moral and ethical dilemma and not let my emotions affect my decision making process. I can use my new degree to look for a different growth trajectory within the company. The rapport that I have built with my colleagues and employers would give me the comfort and confidence to grow further in the company. Option 2 sounds exciting as well as relatively easy. Since i know that my former supervisor has recommended me for this position, I get in the new job knowing I would still have a mentor and a support system in place. However, option two comes with its own problems. The pay hike would amount to almost nothing as I would be required to do a master’s degree and pay for it out of my own pocket. I also am not sure if I would like the new company. The competition would also be fierce and I will have to establish myself and live up to the expectations of my supervisor. Starting on a new job in the midst of my exams would also affect my performance in the test. Option 3 is the most daring of them all. I would finish my exams without any distractions but I would be left without a job at the end of it. Looking for a new job would help me be aware of the many job positions that would suit my degree and also let me experiment. The future unlike the other two options is not set or stable as I would not be sure of getting a new job immediately. Also being with a company for over a decade has left me with very little knowledge of the current job market and the competition around.
Decision
Decision making is not an easy process, nor should it be done on an impulse. Since this is my professional and personal future in question, I would take a critical approach before deciding on what i want to do. "Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action" (Scriven, 1996 ). After carefully analyzing the pros and cons of the three options before me, I have decided on option 3. Option 1 would be the safest but it would mean that I would be spending a few more years within the same company. Although I am sure I would grow within the company, I also cannot discount the fact that I would be in a professional rut. I cannot help but think that I would spend a few more years in the same company and maybe regret my decision a few years later. Option 2 would mean a new job but an uncertain work environment and too much pressure to perform too soon. Option 3 is the best as I will have time to decide to do what I really want with my life without having to think about debt and pleasing my employers. Option 3 is thus the best solution to this problem. I might have to burn a few bridges along the way, but taking this option would make me happier and I will not spend the rest of my working years imagining what would have happened if I had chosen an independent path.
Implementation
Having decided on option 3, I would first go about preparing for my exams without worrying about taking up the new offer. Once I am done with my exams I would go to my employers, explain my decision and give them enough time to find a replacement for me. As I am finishing up with my old job, I would also simultaneously keep looking for other opportunities out there. The important thing is not to get stressed about the old job but to take it slow. Giving myself time to find a new opening and deciding on what would fit me the best would help me in the long term. Thus the implementation process would involve
(i) being firm about the decision I have taken
(ii) complete the important tasks at hand (do well in the exams)
(iii) Let my employers know about my decision and give them enough time to find a replacement
(iv) make a good analysis of the job market and find something that would suit me
(v) not panic and give myself enough time to adjust to my new life.
Following a methodical process to arrive at a solution is helpful on many levels. To begin with, it helps isolate the problem and analyze it objectively. Secondly, a critical analysis helps with listing down the various options available. Since emotions are not at work, options can be listed and narrowed down systematically. Having arrived at a decision, it is then easy to plan the implementation.
References
Scriven, M. & Paul, R. (1996). Defining critical thinking: A draft statement for the National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking. Retrieved from: http://www.criticalthinking.org/University/univlibrary/library.nclk
Barriers to Finding the Best Solution. (2015). Retrieved from: http://www.itseducation.asia/barriers.htm.
The Problem Solving process. (n.d). Retrieved from: http://www.gdrc.org/decision/problem-solve.html.
