Naval Postgraduate School

Information Dominance Naval Postgraduate School

Information is the single most important part of the decision-making process. There are many theories and models of decision-making processes that apply to general decisions, and others that are for very specific purposes. No single theory/model applies to all decisions. This work identifies several relevant theories/models that are both general and specific, and explores each process and how information works within and through it to reach a decision. This exposes commonalities that all the theories/models share. They are identification of the scene, the desired end state, and how to reach the desired end state. The successful use of a theory/model requires the person(s) choosing to utilize a theory/model to address one or more of these common criteria to reach the best decision possible. Additionally, the type of situation and the personalities of the person(s) making the decision impact that decision. The person(s) making the decision should understand and know this information and how it influences the decision-making process. Information influences the decision-making process by influencing how the common criteria are answered, how a decision maker responds to the information environment effects, and the selection of the model/theory used to reach a decision.