• By setting objectives there is a clear sense of direction and a way to assess performance.

• Decisions are based on business logic and analysis of data.

• It is probable that more than one manager will be involved in the process, which will reduce the possibility of bias.

• It requires decisions, and their outcomes to be monitored continually and reviewed.

• When decisions are based on rational thinking, overall business success should be more likely.

• When strategic decisions are required which have LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES and INVOLVE SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES. 

• When the CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE ARE SIGNIFICANT. 

• When the business has affordable access to the NECCESARY RESOURCES TO GATHER AND ANALYSE quantities of data.

• When the BUSINESS IS CONTROLLED BY PROFESSIONAL MANAGERS and NOT THE OWNER. Investors will expect to see evidence that major decisions are supported by data analysis.

"When deciding what major to choose at university it is appropriate to use the scientific management approach to decision making as firstly (Insert a sentence for each of the 'When to use?' reasons given above)..."

• Use the 7 STEPS above, to scientifically manage your decision making regarding which university course you will choose. I have done the first two for you, just continue step 3 to 7.

  • • • STEP 1: "My objective is to get an undergraduate degree... 

      • STEP 2: "The problem is I do not know what to major in... 

      • STEP 3: "If I analyze why I have this problem I realise that [here is where you give an honest account of where your thinking is/effort etc...].

      • STEP 4: One of your solutions is '...asking ChatGPT' Try to create a  prompt that includes your main interests, your desires (e.g, you want to work outdoors...)  

      • Start your answer as follows...

"My objective is to get an undergraduate degree. The problem is I do not know what to major in. If I analyze why I have this problem I realise...[Enter at least 3 reasons], potential solutions to this problem include asking ChatGPT..."

• DECISIONS CAN BE TAKEN VERY QUICKLY and this might be important when managers have to react fast, perhaps following a decision by a competitor.

• Decisions are often BASED ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCE of managers. This might be MORE EFFECTIVE THAN USING JUST DATA, WHICH CAN BE WRONG.

• When QUICK DECISIONS ARE NEEDED, and there isn't enough time for extensive data analysis.

• Complex or Ambiguous Problems: Problems lack clear structure or sufficient information.

• When the MANAGER HAS DEEP EXPERIENCE, allowing them to recognize patterns and make informed guesses.

• In situations WHERE CREATIVITY and OUT-OF-THE-BOX THINKING ARE NEEDED.

• Emotional or Interpersonal Situations: Dealing with people, such as resolving conflicts or handling sensitive issues, where emotions play a significant role.

• Realistically this type of decision could only be made when THE PERSON has GREAT EXPERIENCE OF THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT and is TRUSTED IMPICITLY.

• When the business is NOT BEHOLDEN TO OWNERS SEEKING  objectives are MORE FOCUSED ON NON-DATA is NOT a family owned and controlled organisation and qualitative factors such as customer relations or employee welfare and job security might be more significant factors in some decisions than analysis of numerical data

• When the DATA IS OUT-OF-DATE, UNRELIABLE or NOT AVAILABLE.

• When the business environment is changing rapidly and a situation has arisen – perhaps a pandemic – for which there is no data.

• Carefully study the example above related to the notable differences between a leader and a manager, then create your own example image using an example of your own, for example Steve Jobs and Tim Cook? You can ask ChatGpt to suggest examples if you like.

• Let's have a bit of harmless fun shall we? For each leadership style choose a teacher that you think most closely characterizes each and make contextualise in terms of their teaching style.

• I have done my own one to help you out. Do you agree???

'The cult of Bounous'

"Mr. Bounous uses a paternalistic style of teaching, in that all his students view him as a father figure (NO not a creepy uncle!), who uses praise and 'tough love' in the form of smiles and frowns respectively, to teach us the 'IB-Bus. Mgt. way of doing things'. His tremendous efforts to help improve our understanding via his amazing website and question banks has bought him our undying loyalty and we would happily go to war for him. He still makes all the major decisions regarding our study of IB Business Mgt., such as test content and pace, though he does offer us a chance to give input which is nice, though it's generally ignored, which can be demotivating. Still though, our strong bond means we really try our best to reward his efforts with good grades so that he doesn't get disappointed, and truly if we would be lost without him, Amen!"

There is no single leadership style which is best in all circumstances and for all businesses. The most appropriate style used will depend on many factors, including:

• THE TRAINING & EXPERIENCE OF THE WORKFORCE and the degree of responsibility that they are prepared to take on the amount of time available for consultation and participation

• THE MANAGEMENT CULTURE and business background of the managers, e.g., whether they have always worked in an autocratically-run organisation

• THE PERSONALITY OF THE MANAGER as to whether they have the confidence and strength of character to lead by persuading and motivating people to follow them or must they hide behind the authority of their role to dictate what needs to be done

• THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ISSUE influences the different styles may be used in the same business in different situations; if there is great risk to the business when a poor or slow decision is taken, then it is more likely that management will make the choice in an autocratic way.