Decision A nalysis for Complex Systems

Decision theory, in both its prescriptive and its descriptive forms, has much to say about organizational behavior. The descriptive models aid in understanding what actually happens or might happen; the prescriptive ones point out directions for improvements. Nevertheless, decision theory has not had the impact on organization theory and managerial behavior many have hoped for or expected (Behn and Vaupel, 1976; Grayson, 1973; Brown, 1970). In light of this disappointment, the present article develops a framework for decision analysis in complex social systems. The focus will be on the following three components:

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