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Problem solving vs decision making – what is the

difference?
Written by 30 Jul 2019 • by Changeboard team Articles you might
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Peter Cheese on
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30 Jul 04 Feb 2021 • Peter
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02 Feb 2021 • Sue
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Unerman, Chief
 The key difference between problem solving and Transformation
Facebook decision making is that solving problems is a Officer, MediaCom
process, whereas making decisions is an action
 Twitter Perspective: Want to
based on insights derived during the problem-
reach your full
solving process. Many people use the terms
 potential? D…
LinkedIn problem solving and decision making
22 Jan 2021 •
interchangeably, but they are not the same.
Professor Marion
Debruyne, Dean,
Problem solving vs decision making
Vlerick Business
School
Problem solving is an analytical process used to
identify the possible solutions to the situation at hand. Lessons from
Making decisions is a part of problem solving. lockdown: how GHD
Problem solving is a complex process, and judgement has evolved its
calls – or decisions – will have to be made on the em…
way. 18 Jan 2021 • Sarah
Helsdon, EMEA
Decision making is a choice made by using one’s
People Leader, GHD
judgement. The art of making sound decisions is a
particularly important skill for leaders and managers. Cordelia in the
You may need to make numerous decisions as part of corporate world: "To
the problem-solving process. And, of course, leaders speak and pu…
and managers will need to use their decision-making 12 Jan 2021 • Gilmar
skills to determine which solution to pursue. They will Wendt, Principal,
also typically need to confirm and set into motion next GW+Co
steps to fix the problem.

Problem solving or decision making

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Both problem solving and decision making go hand in Senior Manager,

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You can be adept at problem solving, or finding the
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How does problem solving involve D&I and Talent

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2. Determine which solution is the best fit for the
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3. Make a decision on next steps to action the
chosen solution

The similarities between problem

solving and decision making
Problem solving and decision making are not
synonymous with each other, but they are both
important skills for leaders to have. People often use
the terms problem solving and decision making
interchangeably specifically because they have
elements in common.

Both problem solving and decision making

involve critical thinking.

Critical thinking is a process by which you question

your own assumptions – as well as those of others -
in order to decide on next steps to solve a problem.
Critical thinking often results in using a mix of
research, analysis, questioning and exploration of
new ideas in order to gain rich insight into a situation,
becoming informed in a way that isn’t restricted by the
subjective perspectives of peers or the status quo.

See our critical thinking tips for HR managers and

leaders for a deep dive into critical thinking, or take
an eagle’s eye view with our 3 golden tips on how to
improve your critical thinking.

How to use decision making in

solving problems
It all boils down to one thing: When faced with a
challenge, break the problem down into manageable
components that require decisions to be made.

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By Changeboard team
Published: 30 Jul 2019

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