Seeking the dimensions of decision-making: An exploratory study: Working paper series--02-17

In a majority of business research field studies the concepts being measured are abstract and complex, and the tools available are relatively crude and primitive. The prior art provides indications, suggestions and allusions to the concept of a multi-dimensional decision making model, but there is no general theory empirically identifying these dimensions. Using the semantic differential technique, a decision-dimension profiling construct is developed. Support is sought for the theoretical a-priori hypotheses that decisions have multiple dimensions and these dimensions can be measured. The results indicate that a decision problem can be characterized by measuring eight semantic scales to proxy three dimensions; Risk, Scale, and Complexity. Similarly, eight additional semantic scales are identified to proxy the four dimensions; Logic, Speed, Scope, and Tactics; that a decision-maker uses to approach a decision problem