Decision making in chaos
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Authors
Tyler, Isaac B.
Tyler, Ariel C.
Subjects
sensebreaking
sense conversion
sensemaking
decision making
cohesion
chaos
sense conversion
sensemaking
decision making
cohesion
chaos
Advisors
Rothstein, Hy
Date of Issue
2015-12
Date
Dec-15
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
How do military special operations officers make quick decisions in complex, fast-moving combat environments where the quality and speed of a decision could mean the difference between life and death? This qualitative study of Army and Navy special operations officers explores the factors that contribute to each individual’s decision-making process. The findings reveal that chaos is a function of enemy sensebreaking efforts, and to overcome this, leaders must first internalize the gravity of their current circumstances, a process referred to as sense conversion. After this point they are able to begin the sensemaking process that allows them to make an informed decision. This study led to a model of rapid decision making that revealed both the individual process as well as external factors, such as cohesion, that played critical roles in their ability to make decisions in chaos.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.