Decision-making is a fundamental activity that significantly influences the efficiency of an organization. That is because this activity is at the heart of management in every typical organization. Therefore, one of the key prerequisites for an educational leader is to have effective decision-making skills. During an average working day, a school head makes different kinds of decisions, regardless of their importance. Indeed, within the wider framework of a school unit’s activities, the resolution of problems and the decision-making are two fundamental elements that assess, to a significant degree, the effectiveness of the school’s performance. Consequently, it is absolutely necessary for all educational leaders to understand the process of decision-making and of resolving problems, since the sheer existence of schools (and indeed all typical organizations) depends on their decision-making processes. This chapter:
Analyses the meaning, types and the procedures for effective decision-making
Outlines suggestions (e.g. careful assessment of the credibility of information) on how to avoid wrong decisions
Emphasizes human weakness in the decision-making process (e.g. when a manager puts too much emphasis on the initial information and does not assess whether or not it is creditable)
Examines the meaning of the term “problem” and also summarizes the process and methods of problem solving in the field of education
Presents case studies related to the school reality