Use information to take effective decisions*

Overview

This standard is about taking sound decisions based upon a valid analysis of the best available information. 
 
This standard is relevant to all managers and leaders.

Performance Criteria

You must be able to:

  1. Identify those who may be affected by the decision and their interests
  2. Engage, where appropriate, those who are able to contribute to the decision-making process or will be affected by the decision
  3. Establish the objectives of the decision to be taken – clarify what you are trying to achieve by taking the decision and check that everyone involved agrees
  4. Identify the information you need to take the decision and the sources of this information
  5. Obtain sufficient relevant information to allow you to take the decision and verify its accuracy and reliability
  6. Take timely action to remedy inadequate, unreliable, contradictory or ambiguous information
  7. Analyse the information to identify facts, patterns and trends that may impact on your decision
  8. Identify and evaluate the range of options open to you
  9. Draw conclusions supported by reasoned arguments and reliable information, clearly stating any assumptions you have made and risks that may be involved
  10. Take decisions 
    10.1 in line with your objectives
    10.2 within the scope of your authority
    10.3 consistent with values, policies and guidelines
    10.4 in time for necessary action to be taken.  
  11. Obtain help and advice if 
    11.1 you do not have adequate information
    11.2 the decision is outside your area of responsibility or scope of authority
    11.3 your decisions are likely to conflict with values, policies and guidelines.  
  12. Communicate your decision and rationale clearly to those who are affected

 

Knowledge & Understanding

You need to know and understand:

General knowledge and understanding 

  1. The importance of engaging those who are able to contribute or may be affected in the decision-making process, and how to do so
  2. The importance of setting objectives for the decision, and how to make it clear what the decision must achieve and what is outside the scope of the decision
  3. How to identify the information you need to take the decision
  4. How to judge whether you have sufficient, accurate, reliable and relevant information to allow you to take the decision
  5. How to identify if information is inadequate, unreliable, contradictory or ambiguous, and how to remedy this in a timely way.
  6. How to analyse information to identify relevant facts, patterns and trends
  7. The range of options open to you and how to evaluate the options
  8. How to justify your conclusions
  9. The importance of ensuring your decisions are in line with your organisation’s values, policies and guidelines
  10. The importance of showing any assumptions you have made and risks that may be involved, and how to do so
  11. The importance of taking decisions in time for necessary action to be taken
  12. How to communicate your decision

    Industry/sector specific knowledge and understanding

  13. Industry/sector requirements for using information to take decisions

    Context specific knowledge and understanding 

  14. People who are able to contribute to the decision- making process or will be affected by the decision
  15. Facts, patterns and trends that may impact on your decision
  16. Your organisation’s policies, values and guidelines
  17. The scope of your authority for taking decisions and when you need to refer to someone else.
  18. Whom to go to for advice if you do not have adequate information, the decision is outside your area of responsibility, or your decisions conflict with policies, values and guidelines. clearly and concisely