How we change what others think, feel, believe and do |
Choice vs. Decision
Explanations > Decisions > Choice vs. Decision
What is the difference between decision and choice? When you think about it, are they the same thing? In practice, although we often use the words interchangeably, it depends on how you define the words. ChoiceLife may be likened to a path. We walk along the pathway of our lives, doing what we do. And sometimes we come to a fork in the path, where we must choose which way to go. Sometimes these choices are minor, for example whether to have a cup of coffee or tea. Minor choices do not really affect our lives much as we continue on the major route. Other choices are major and life-changing, such as what career we will follow. Choice, then, is selection from alternatives. This means we must see the alternatives from which we can choose. Sometimes these are obvious but often they are not and the path we walk can have a significant random element. Being alert and able to see the choices we have is a critical ability for living deliberately. Choosing is the process of selection. Classically, we weigh up each option, considering pros and cons. We then select the most advantageous option. In practice we are limited by time and the linear nature of conscious thought, so we leave a lot to our unconscious minds, which use intuition, rules of thumb, habit and so on. We seldom have complete information and may have to guess. We may also copy others or be swayed by their arguments. DecisionDecision is a more general term that does not imply the existence of alternatives. It is driven more by needs, goals and problems than by simply encountering a set of choices. Decision is a process that can vary depending on the situation.
So what?Distinguish between choices and decisions as they can be quite different. If you want someone to choose, this implies you have already decided. If you want them to decide, you probably want them to identify their own set of alternatives. See the choices you and others have, working to clarify and ease these. Choice is important in changing minds and offering limited alternatives is a common method in persuasion and sales. If you can offer choices where all options are good for you, then you will meet your goals. An alternative is to offer a 'forced choice' where there is only one sensible option. You can also facilitate the decisions of others, revealing problems to them, helping them understand and build choices. See also
|
Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
You can buy books here |
And the big |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
|
Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
|