Technology and Decision Making
Learning activity 1
Communication in workplaces has been made more effective by the spread of mobile phones and other technologies such as the use of emails. “Technology is one of many tools that organizations use to help solve problems (Hearst Newspapers, 2017, np.).” With good communication, which is linked with the evolving technology, decision making and other managerial activities are becoming more effective. According to Hearst Newspapers (2017), issues such as enterprise resource planning, decision support system, and business analysis can be conducted effectively through technology. Ramey (2016), states that some of the technologies that ease the process of decision making include Decision support system (DSS) and Artificial intelligence (AI) system. These technologies help in creating information through online analytical process (OLAP) hence making the decision making process faster and effective in business (Ramey, 2016).
Group decision support system (GDSS) is another technological advancement which has so far shaped effectiveness of decision making in organizations (Ramey, 2016). Using this system, a group of employees an settle at a similar decision within short time hence leading to quick decision making. GDSS aids formulation of solutions to problems in organizations by teams. This system works by integrating telecommunications, DSS capabilities and groupware (Ramey, 2016).
With the spread of smart phones and other effective communication technologies such as the internet, managers have improved in their managerial roles unlike in the past century. This is partly because of easy access to people in the chain of command among other technological advancements such as software that aid in making decisions. Effective technology is associated with ethical leadership hence more profit is expected by embracing technology in decision making. “The ethical approach to business and investment seeks to maximise profit and return on investment while minimising and avoiding where possible negative social effects (Businessballs, 2017, np.).”
Learning Activity 2
Based on this fact pattern, it is evident that strategic decision making can eventually affect the direction taken by the business in the long term. One of the ethical decisions made by Sycamore Pharmaceutical organization is the making of a decision of marketing rheumatoid drug although a scientific study proved setbacks associated with the drug. The ethical dilemma faced by Blake, Dominquez, and Sycamore Pharmaceutical is whether to continue marketing the drug and face the charges of having this drug withdrawn from the market or else withdraw the drug and face financial loss.
Effective decision making in such case can be achieved through restructuring of decision maker’s environment to make cognitive and thoughtful decision (Bazerman, Tenbrunsel & Wade-Benzoni, 1998, p. 235). As argued by Bazerman, Tenbrunsel & Wade-Benzoni (1998) through making cognitive and rational ethical decision, withdrawing the drug from the market would be the best decision. However, this can only be achieved by only changing the culture of Sycamore Pharmaceutical organization and opting to decide to safeguard the overall safety of consumers. By pulling this drug from the market, the health of consumers can be safeguarded since the drug as per the scientific studies can impose health risks to consumers. To maintain the customers and attract possible customers, there is a need to compensate consumers who have already purchased the drug. While making decisions, leaders should not only be interested in the prospects of the company but should also consider the welfare society and other stakeholders (Bazerman, Tenbrunsel & Wade-Benzoni, 1998. As such, leaders of Sycamore Pharmaceutical organization should not make a short term decision which will lead to profits and face long-term setback of losing entrusted customers that may lead to an immense long-term loss. In any case, a drug is deemed to have a negative impact on consumers during a clinical trial; the drug should be restricted to the market. This is a way of safeguarding the long term welfare of the company and protect consumers from consumption of clinically unfit drugs.
References
Bazerman, M. H., Tenbrunsel, A. E., & Wade-Benzoni, K. (1998). Negotiating with yourself and losing: Making decisions with competing internal preferences. Academy of Management Review, 23(2), 225-241.
Businessballs. (2017). Modern ethical management ideas and leadership models. Businessballs.com. Retrieved from http://www.businessballs.com/ethical_management_leadership.htm
Hearst Newspapers. (2017). How Technology Can Help Solve Problems & Make Decisions. Smallbusiness.chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/technology-can-solve-problems-make-decisions-34471.html
Ramey, K. (2016). The Role of Technology in Decision Making – Use of Technology. Use of Technology. Retrieved from https://www.useoftechnology.com/role-technology-decision-making/
