It is usually important to define the scope, success and objectives of the decisions that are going to be taken. When it comes to objectives, these are statements of specific outcomes to be achieved. It is important to define objectives in order to develop a foundation that would enable rational decision making, helps to remain focused during the decision-making process, it is the basis for identifying success criteria and improves the effectiveness of decisions taken among others. Defining the scope on the other hand, ensures that various decisions are taken by the appropriate individuals, it brings about a more effective and efficient decision-making process, makes sure that appropriate success criteria and objectives have been identified among other things. A success criterion on its part is a measure that is used to determine the best possible option. Defining it ensures that it links the objective to the final decision and makes sure that every decision meets the desired objectives.

The decisions made within the organization are likely to have an impact on both the organization and individuals. For the organization, it is important to analyze the potential impact in order to ascertain whether it provides an option of meeting the organizational objectives. The analysis would also help in identifying the potential risks of the decision.  It becomes easier to mitigate these risks if they can be identified as early as possible. This will ensure that the organization does not run the risk of failing to attain its objectives. When it comes to individuals, the analysis will help identify if the decision at hand has the probability of affecting stakeholders’ social responsibility. Any decision with a probability of affecting social responsibility negatively ought to be avoided in order to ensure that everyone within the organization is treated in the best way possible.

Valid information should be accessible, accurate, timely, reliable, relevant and fit for purpose. It is usually important to obtain sufficient valid information in order to ensure effective decision making. This is because decisions are made based on all the relevant factors. In case any information is left out, the decision made might not be the most appropriate. Maybe the decision made might have been different if the factor left out was put into consideration. Valid information is also important in ensuring that the decisions made suit that particular situation. Not having all the relevant information might be an obstacle in deriving a decision that fits a given situation appropriately. Sufficient valid information also reduces the risk and negative impact associated with decisions.

Business objectives, policies and values are usually vital when making decisions. They usually guide the decision makers on what ought to be done so that everything goes in accordance with the organizational plans. It is usually important to align decisions with business values, objectives and policies so as to support the development of the organizational culture and image. These aspects determine what the organization is and what it strives to remain for as long as possible.  There is also a development of consistency when it comes to business strategy. This is because the aspects will always remain constant regardless of the decision being made. To some extent, conflict within the organization is avoided. This is due to the common benchmarks being used to determine decisions. The alignment also enables the employees to gain an understanding of their contribution towards business performance.

There are various techniques that would help to validate information used in decision-making process. Among them is confirmation of accuracy. Accuracy can be confirmed through triangulation, availability of evidence to support information and stating sources of information among others. Another mechanism that can be used to validate information before a decision is made is checking of relevance. Relevance is ascertained based on the purpose of information, date of publication and intended audience. The information must suit the nature of decision at hand. Checking source credibility is also an effective way of validating information. The source should be trust worthy, show evidence of quality control and the author should have favorable credentials. Such information ought to be validated in order to ensure that the decisions made are the most appropriate. Testing reasonableness is also constructive for validating information. For information to be regarded as reasonable it should be objective, balanced and fair.

There are various issues that are likely to hinder the achievement of quality standards and targets. This includes lack of competencies and skills, poor performance management, unmotivated staff and unrealistic goals among others. The issues can be addressed using various mechanisms like one-to-one and team meetings to agree on targets. This approach ensures that all the employees are moving towards attaining the same objective. Effective resource planning and allocation is also used as a favorable mechanism to address the issues. The aspect ensures that there is no deficit of resources at any particular time. It becomes feasible to attain quality standards and desired targets as a result. Staff training and development has also proven to be an effective mechanism for addressing the issues. It is usually a costly process for some organizations, but it is very effective. This is because it ensures that employees are aware of what the organization expects of them. As a result, they will work towards actualizing this prospect.