Mgt 350 - Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making

Critical Thinking

MGT 350-Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a process of applying various skills to analyze information. Critical thinking uses rationality to distinguish between emotion and fact. This paper will discuss the definition of critical thinking, and the skills it takes to think critically. It will also provide an example of critical thinking applied to my current working environment. Finally this paper will discuss the importance and benefits of critical thinking in the decision-making processes.

According to The Foundation for Critical Thinking (2007), “Critical thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment to overcome our native egocentrism (Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2007).

In a student’s opinion critical thinking is gathering all necessary information and using rational judgment to filter out personal opinions and true facts. Rationality allows for information to be based on evidence and finding the best explanation possible. When critically thinking, it is important to weigh out the pros and cons of the situation. Following this process will allow an individual to get past personal biased opinions and view the situation from all prospectives. This all ties in to judgment. Critical thinking is better implemented when judgment is used so that new ideas and explanations can be taken into consideration. Critical thinking is about asking questions and exploring new ideas. Critical thinking allows individuals to facilitate a number of non personal analyzes of otherwise objective data, and to evaluate how well each analysis meets the situations needs. True facts are true, but how certain individuals may understand them might be different.

In order to effectively conduct critical thinking, it is important to know what skills are necessary to do so. Rick D. Rudd (2007) explains that “Traits of critical thinkers include independent thinking, intellectual empathy, intellectual humility, courage, integrity, perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and faith in reason, intellectual civility and intellectual responsibility (Rudd, 2007).” These traits are necessary in order to see past one’s own personal opinion and to accept evidence to prove points rather than hearsay. A person whom is willing to ask questions is willing to explore the subject and learn about all aspects of the subject; that is a critical thinker.

Implementing critical thinking into the working environment is a very useful tool. Rick D. Rudd (2007) states that, “Individuals who can think critically are invaluable as employees, leaders and members of society (Rudd, 2007).” The ability to solve problems at work by breaking the problem down to a step by step solution makes a quality employee. Companies tend to consider employees with critical thinking skills as a valuable asset to the company.

At my place of work critical thinking is very subtle. There are truly no major problems that occur that need to be solved by critical thinking. Although there are other matters that do require critical thinking. This usually involves a team of two people; manager, and employee. For example, I am employee at the Mushroom Sports Bar, I am also a musician. I was running an open mic at another bar close by the area for about five months. This was an endeavor that was unpaid for my partner and me.

At the end of our five month agreement with the establishment my partner and I started to critically think about other options. My partner and I came up with a couple ideas to approach other bars to hold this type of event. Step by step process of critical thinking