Your Preferred Decision-Making Style

Instructions: This survey consists of 20 questions, each with four responses, labeled a - d. Relying on your role as a student as a frame of reference, answer each question by ranking the four responses according to degree of preference, using the numbers 1, 2, 4, or 8. Use 8 for the responses that are most like you, 4 for those that are moderately like you, 2 for those that are slightly like you, and 1 for the responses that are least like you. For example, a question could be answered a- [8], b-[4], c- [2], d -[1]. Do not repeat any number when ranking each response. Place each numerical ranking next to each of the responses in the space provided. Once all of the responses for the 20 questions have been ranked, total the scores for each response. The total score for response "a" represents your directive style, response "b" your analytical style, response "c" your conceptual style, and response "d" your behavioral style.

1. My prime objective in life is to:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. have a position with status -4
b. be the best in whatever I do - 8
c. be recognized for my work-2
d. feel secure in my job-1

2. I enjoy work that:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. is clear and well defined-8
b. is varied and challenging-4
c. lets me act Independently-2
d. involves people-1
3. I expect people to be:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. productive-2
b. capable-4
c. committed-1
d. responsive-8
4. My work lets me:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. get things done-4
b. find workable approaches-2-
c. apply new ideas-8

5. I communicate best by:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. talking with others-4
b. putting things in writing-8
c. being open with others-2
d. having a group meeting-1

6. My planning focuses on:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. current problems-2
b. how best to meet goals-4
c. future opportunities-8
d. needs of people in the organization	-1

7. I prefer to solve problems by:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. applying rules-2
b. using careful analysis-8
c. being creative-1
d. relying on my feelings-4

8. I prefer information:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. that is simple and direct-8
b. that is complete-2
c. that is broad and informative	-4
d. that is easily understood-1

9. When I'm not sure what to do:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. I rely on my intuition-8
b. I search for alternatives-2
c. I try to find a compromise-4
d. I avoid making a decision-1

10. Whenever possible, I avoid:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. long debates-1
b. incomplete work-4
c. technical problems-2
d. conflict with others-8

11. I am really good at:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. remembering details-2
b. finding answers-8
c. seeing many options-1
d. working with people -4

12. When time is important, I:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. decide and act quickly-8
b. apply proven approaches-2
c. look for what will work-4
d. refuse to be pressured-1

13. In social settings, I:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. speak with many people-2
b. observe what others are doing-4
c. contribute to the conversation-8
d. want to be part of the discussion	-1

14. I always remember:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. people's names-1
b. places I have been-2
c. people's faces-4
d. people's personalities	-8

15. I prefer jobs where I:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. receive high rewards-1
b. have challenging assignments-2
c. can reach my personal goals-8
d. am accepted by the group-4

16. I work best with people who:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. are energetic and ambitious-2
b. are very competent-1
c. are open minded-4
d. are polite and understanding-8

17. When I am under stress, I:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. speak quickly-1
b. try to concentrate on the problem	-8
c. become frustrated-4
d. worry about what I should do-2

18. Others consider me:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. aggressive-1
b. disciplined-4
c. imaginative-2
d. supportive-8

19. My decisions are generally:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. realistic and direct-8
b. systematic and logical-4
c. broad and flexible-1
d. sensitive to the other's needs	-2

20. I dislike:	Rank (1, 2, 4, 8):
a. losing control-8
b. boring work-4
c. following rules-1 d. being rejected-2

Overall feedback:

Total points for "a" _ (primarily represents your directive style) Total points for "b" _ (primarily represents your analytical style) Total points for "c" _ (primarily represents your conceptual style) Total points for "d" _ (primarily represents your behavioral style)

Source: Dr. Alan J Rowe, Distinguished Emeritus Professor. Revised December 1998. Reprinted with permission

Calculate the scores.