Strategic decision process matched to the puzzlement in tough decisions

Tough decisions are filled with conflict, ambiguity, and uncertainty, which make successful disposition difficult. A way to make tough decisions is described that integrates behavioral, analytical, political, and ethical considerations to produce a new procedural synthesis. In this procedure, attempts are made to create shared meaning among stakeholders using group management techniques, seeking an arena of action in which remedies can be sought. Three decision processes-analytical, group, and mixed mode-are identified. The degree of puzzlement in tough decisions is used to suggest conditions under which each process can be profitably used.