Multi Attribution Utility Theory

Dan,

Please review the tables below, and consider them as a possible solution to the recent problems of poor decision making by the new managers. Obviously, the managers’ decision making problems result from poor decision framing. They are not considering all aspects of the problems, nor properly weighing the consequences of their decisions.

The tables below are from the Multi-Attribution Utility Theory (MUAT) worksheets that should drastically improve the process of decision making for the new managers by allowing them to use basic math to narrow choices and make rational decisions.

The worksheets are very simple to use and will take a minimal amount of time. They should be used as follows:

1. Define the problem: As you can see in table 1, the problem has been defined as how to Stop Employees from Extending Breaks beyond the Company Set Break Periods.

2. Identify possible solutions that should solve the problem: Listed in the columns of table 1 are several solutions that should solve the problem.

3. Identify Considerations: Listed in the rows are things to consider if implementing a possible solution to the problem.

4. Assign a weight to each consideration: Next to each consideration is a weight which defines how important the consideration is to the manager.

5. Assign compatibility weights to each solutions: To each of the possible solutions, a number which reflects the solutions compatibility with consideration should be assigned. This number can be from any scale. Table 1 uses a scale from -2 to +2.

6. Multiply considerations by solutions: Multiplying the consideration weights by compatibility weights for possible solutions and comparing the totals will indicate which of the solutions is the most rational choice.

Table 2 is the result of a similar worksheet that helped determine which of the recent applicants should be hired for the Envelope Making Machine position.

The use of these worksheets should help the new managers make rational decisions by forcing them to consider more possible solutions to problems, and compare the possible ramifications of their decisions. They should also feel more confident about their decision, as well as teach them how to make better decisions in the future.

Table 1