Decision making often happens in complex environments filled with various overlapping elements like people, objects, goals, rules, values, and knowledge. Each of these elements can be a complex sub-system on its own. When individuals make decisions, they do so with the limited information available to them at that moment. This process occurs within specific local contexts and relies on what makes sense from their perspective. This concept is known as local rationality. Essentially, decisions are rational for the decision maker because they are based on the information accessible to them at that time and place.
It’s important to note that what seems obvious or significant to one person may not hold the same weight for someone else. People act in ways that align with their goals and their understanding of the situation at hand.
When analyzing decision-making, particularly in cases of unsafe behavior, such as those involving pilots or air traffic controllers, the choices made may seem irrational at first glance. Questions arise: Why were rules ignored? Why weren’t procedures followed? Why did someone choose a risky course of action? To start any analysis, it’s crucial to recognize that the decision was logical to the decision maker based on their context. From there, we can explore the local rationality—what made that decision seem reasonable?
There are often many factors and combinations at play in decision-making. Understanding these influences before attempting to alter someone’s behavior can lead to more effective and lasting change.
