Examples of Decision-Making Procedures

• Define the decision to be made.
• Set a specific deadline by which the decision needs to be made.
• Identify who should be involved in the process and whether board approval will be required.
• Clarify who is responsible for doing necessary research.
• Set a reasonable time limit for any necessary research phase, e.g., getting price quotes, product quality reviews, etc.
• Empower an individual to make the final decision after due diligence and budgetary considerations (unless board approval is required).
• Assign responsibility for implementing the result of the decision.
• Allow time for evaluation, either incrementally or at the end of implementation.

Decision making policy article.

A sample policy is available.

A criteria checklist for making major decisions.