Decision Quality
Decision quality is the practice that protects intent integrity at the decision point, by defining the intent explicitly and selecting the direction that offers the strongest credible way to realize it.
What is decision quality?
Decision quality does two jobs. The first is defining the intent: making explicit what the change is meant to achieve and why, in a form usable as a reference point. The second is selecting the direction: judging, through the alternatives considered, the assumptions tested, and the trade-offs weighed, which available course of action best serves the intent. It does not guarantee the best feasible direction, but it increases the likelihood of getting close. Its effect also runs through the rest of the loop, because the explicit intent it produces is what tracing and validation consult.
Weak Intent or Direction
Weak intent or direction is the characteristic vulnerability of the decision stage: committing to a direction on reasoning that is poor, or on an intent never made explicit.
It arises through premature commitment to a single alternative, limited search for others, poor problem framing, untested assumptions, or outcomes that are never justified. It is common rather than exceptional: about half of organizational decisions fail, most often through premature commitment and limited search.
Not a bad outcome. The weakness is in the reasoning, and it is present whether or not the change later succeeds.
What it is not
Not decisiveness or speed of commitment, and not the quality of the result. Decision quality is scored on the reasoning at the moment of commitment, which is why a high score can precede a disappointing outcome.
Where it sits
Primary effect: reduces the expected decision gap.
Related concepts
- Decision (stage): Decision quality is the practice of the decision stage, protecting against weak intent or direction.
- Weak Intent or Direction: Decision quality is the practice of the decision stage, protecting against weak intent or direction.
- Tracing Intent: It produces the explicit intent that tracing intent carries and outcome validation tests.
- Outcome Validation: It produces the explicit intent that tracing intent carries and outcome validation tests.
Referenced by
Cite this page
Lars. “Decision Quality.” Intent Integrity. https://www.intent-integrity.com/decision-quality. n.d.
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