Decision-making: One Important Lesson.

This one important factor regarding decision-making can even make a life saving difference. You may already know about ‘framing’ with regards to effective decision-making, but in case you don’t here’s a brief explanation. Framing means how a problem is described and put into context. This plays a significant part in how a problem is first approached.

For instance, the same problem posed to two test groups in numerous scientific studies, consistently concludes that groups will arrive at different solutions depending upon how the problem is described or ‘framed’. For instance you might frame a problem to one group by stating that ‘We can’t afford to fail when addressing problem x.’ and describe the same problem to the other group as ‘How could we improve upon problem x?’

The second manner of posing the need for a solution invites all group members to think freely and discuss ideas that, hopefully arrives at a decision regarding a recommended solution. The first manner of posing the question causes the group to be very selective in what they propose. They may hesitate regarding a final decision on whether to proceed with a chosen solution.

Framing of a problem doesn't need to be complex. Even the terminology used may present a problem in a different way. Take for instance the re-naming of Safety Ramps on freeways to Arrester Beds. Many freeways the world over build arrester beds alongside the freeway at strategic points, particularly if the freeway has a long continuous decline or steep descent, so that if any heavy vehicle should have its brakes fail, it can pull off the road into an arrester bed bringing the vehicle to a stop. Basically it is a pit filled with round pebbles that, when a truck drives into the bed of pebbles, will slow its speed dramatically and assist with bringing the vehicle to a safe stop and also if the bed includes a ramp, stop the vehicle rolling backwards back onto the freeway afterwards. The very same technique is now used on racing car circuits to slow and stop race-cars that run off the track.

However, improved safety may have resulted in an increase of runaway trucks.

How can such improvements result in the opposite effect as was intended? Initial inquiries are alluding to the unwillingness of truck drivers to use an ‘arrester bed', preferring to attempt to try and stop their vehicle by other means. Apparently the term arrester plays an important part in the decision-making process when dealing with the emergency of a runaway heavy vehicle.

The framing of the emergency solution may have resulted in many more drivers neglecting to use the arrester beds because of the inconvenience of their vehicle being arrested by the pebble beds and the inability for them to repair their truck and continue on their way. Instead they will require towing out of the arrester bed, which will incur cost and increase any delay they may suffer.

Framing is important. It doesn’t need to be complex but does make a difference. Think about it next time you or your organization is grappling with its decision-making whilst solving a problem.

Russell Boon is an emergency management specialist and is founder of CAPACITY Building Emergency Management. You can read more at www.russellboon.com or www.capacity-building.com.au

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