Seven distinctive paths of decision and action

A set of distinct approaches to decision and action is offered as developed from collaborative inquiry with practising managers. The approaches so elicited align frequently, but not invariably or precisely, with accounts in the literature. They are named: rationalist, empiricist, pragmatist, dialectic, systemic, structuralist and intuitionist. Each approach tends to be advocated over-enthusiastically by its proponents as a full and appropriate response for all contingencies. The characteristic advantages and difficulties of each are examined, and issues in the selection of a preferred approach are explored.