Critical Thinking, Research Paper Example

Decision-making is a significant component in one’s daily activities that touches on humanity, and thus the process warrants careful attention. Failure to make wise decisions leads to sequence of problems. Any decision-making process requires a systematic critical thinking; critical thinking is an approach of deciding the nature of a claim. This process is the result of techniques usually learned and put into practice hence resulting to effectiveness.

In May, last year, I made decisions, which almost ruined my career were it not for my colleagues’ intervention. I work as an internal auditor in Beauty Queens Company. In this regard, I was required to provide a financial report for the financial year prior to the annual general meeting. I did not bother to involve the departmental heads in compiling the report since I was in a hurry. During this process, I did not follow the due process, thus, I ended up making several errors, which lead to a deficit of 1 Million Dollars. I could not be able to account for this deficit. On realizing the mistake, I decided to involve other staff members who helped in pointing out the mistake. I learned a lesson not to make a decision without following the due process, thus, the need to adopt reflective-thinking as a method of solving problems related to decision making.

The critical-thinking method as a method of solving problems related to decision making has been effective in reducing cases of poor decision-making. This method provides a stepwise process in solving a problem. It is a five-step process the steps include definition of the problem, analysis of the problem, instituting criteria for problem solving, generation of possible solution for the problem, and the identification of the suitable solution.

The definition of the problem involves having a clear knowledge of issues being solved, it involves adapting a given purpose. It is important to note that the definition of a problem is arrived at by phrasing it as a question and presenting the question before the group. Questions such as “was all the expenditure included in the final report?” This will assist in identifying the cause of the problem. The analysis of the problem can be performed better by carrying out a thorough investigation of the problem as well as the scope. The third step, which involves criteria for problem solving entails the identification of the objectives as well as the problems that may be encountered. Solutions for the problem should be generated the suitable solutions then identified.

The decision arrived at using the critical-thinking method is quite different from my earlier decision, since it gives accurate and reliable results. Critical-reflective method leads to identification and thorough analysis of the problem, hence the ultimate identification of possible solutions. This method unlike other methods of decision-making methods provides room for other parties to participate in the process leading to transparency.

In conclusion, companies and other institutions should adopt the critical-reflecting method as a way of finding solution to their decision making related problems. This method is effective in that minimal or no errors are made at all. Individuals should work together and maintain a healthy communication if the set objectives are to be achieved based on the decisions made.