Every person is, without a doubt, influenced by the worst-case situation for a significant period. Another difficult issue is not understanding the distinction between problem-solving and decision-making.
Decision-making and problem-solving are both psychological words that are frequently used interchangeably. Furthermore, it should be emphasised that these two terms are not interchangeable and are not synonymous.
Key Takeaways
- Problem-solving involves identifying and resolving issues or obstacles, while decision-making involves choosing different options or courses of action.
- Problem-solving is often used to address a specific issue or challenge, while decision-making can be used in various contexts, such as business, personal life, or government.
- Problem-solving typically involves a step-by-step process of analysis and evaluation. At the same time, decision-making can be influenced by various factors such as personal values, emotions, or external pressures.
Problem Solving vs Decision Making
Problem-solving is the process of identifying and resolving a problem or challenge that is preventing an individual or organization from achieving their goal. Decision-making involves choosing a course of action or solution. This process can be complex and involve a variety of factors.
Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!
Problem-solving is a complex process that entails in-depth analysis. The identification of an issue is usually the first step in the problem-solving process. The main goal of problem-solving is to find the best solution.
Problem-solving is usually coupled with a specific goal. The results of problem-solving should be solution-oriented. The techniques and roads to resolution remain unknown when it comes to problem-solving. The purpose of problem-solving is to fix the problem or issue.
The process of decision-making leads to a final opinion and a course of action. The identification of opportunities is part of the decision-making process. The goal of the decision-making process is to avoid potential difficulties.
When making decisions, a variety of options are explored. The decision-making process can have a variety of results. The paths adopted in the event of decision-making are structured. The objectives of decision-making are unrelated to the resolution of a problem or issue.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Problem Solving | Decision Making |
|---|---|---|
| Consideration | Method | Process |
| Interconnection | Right decisions are taken to reach out a certain conclusion. | May or may not include solving the problems. |
| Type and involves | A complex, deep analysis required. | Final opinion, course of action. |
| Identification | Identification of a challenge. | Identification of opportunities. |
| Motive | Creating the right solution. | Avoiding potential problems. |
| Associated with | Clear objective | Different types of options are considered. |
| Outcomes | Solution-driven. | It varies |
| Paths/ ways | The ways to resolution are not known. | The paths taken are structured. |
| Goal | Correct the issue or problem. | Unrelated to the solving of an issue. |
What is Problem Solving?
Problem-solving is a technique that can be used to solve a problem. When it comes to problem-solving, making the appropriate judgments is critical to reaching a specific outcome.
Problem-solving is a difficult process that entails extensive research. Identifying a difficulty is a common step in the problem-solving process.
In simple words or layman terms, problem-solving is simply solving problems, as the name suggests. Here, either an individual or a group tries to solve a problem in this process.
This involves high analytical skills for reaching better and faster solutions. This process also includes gathering information, facts and following or working parallel with human intuition.
The primary goal of problem-solving is to find the best solution possible. In general, problem-solving is linked to a specific goal. Problem-solving results must be solution-oriented.
The techniques and roads to resolution are unknown in the case of problem-solving. The purpose of problem-solving is to resolve the problem or issue.
What is Decision Making?
Making a decision is seen to be a procedure. Depending on the situation, the decision-making process may or may not entail problem-solving.
The decision-making process culminates in the formulation of a conclusion and a plan of action. Identifying opportunities is an important part of the decision-making process.
Decision making generally focuses on the actions, ways and alternatives that are used to solve a particular problem. This is also a result of cognitive function.
Sometimes a psychological aspect of an individual is taken into consideration while stressing about making decisions. The needs and wants are taken care of. This process can also be considered as continuous interaction with the surrounding environment.
The goal of the decision-making process is to avoid any potential issues. While making decisions, various types of options are explored. Decision-making can have a variety of results.
The paths that are taken in decision-making are structured. The decision-making goals have nothing to do with resolving a problem or issue.
Main Differences Between Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Problem-solving can be considered a method. On the other hand, decision making is considered a process.
- At the time of problem-solving, taking the right decisions is important to reach out a certain conclusion. On the other hand, the decision-making process sometimes includes solving the problems and sometimes does not.
- The method of problem-solving is complex and includes deep analysis. On the other hand, the decision-making process leads to taking a final opinion and a course of action.
- The method of problem-solving usually involves the identification of a challenge. On the other hand, the process of decision making involves the identification of opportunities.
- Creating the right solution is the important motive of problem-solving. On the other hand, avoiding potential problems is the motive of the decision-making process.
- Problem-solving is generally associated with a clear objective. On the other hand, different types of options are considered while taking decisions.
- The outcomes coming from problem-solving should be solution-driven. On the other hand, the outcomes of the decision making can vary.
- In the case of problem-solving, the ways and paths to resolution are not known. On the other hand, in the case of decision making, the paths taken are structured.
- The goal of problem-solving is to correct the issue or problem. On the other hand, the goals associated with the decision making is not related to the solving of an issue or problem.
- https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1794/22321/slovic_189.pdf?sequence=1
- http://www.sci.brooklyn.cuny.edu/~kopec/cis718/fall_2005/2/Rafique_2_humanthinking.doc
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.
