Making decisions at work and in teams can be difficult, particularly when you don’t have control of all aspects of the process. There are factors such as ‘group think’ and biases that we can subconsciously bring into our work. Decision-making can also be compromised by pressures such as time, changing economic conditions and crises. However, individuals will be held to their decisions regardless of what factors are at play and society relies on the professions, including accounting, to uphold the highest standards.

A way to ensure individuals and teams improve decision-making, and reduce bias, is to consider different perspectives before making decisions. This can result in more considered and ethical decision-making, and build proficiency in the practice of ethics, strengthening ‘the ethical muscle’ of individuals and teams. 

“Good questions can act as prompts to explore the perspectives of stakeholders, ensuring an issue has been properly assessed and ‘turned over’ before a decision is made or a conclusion drawn” explains Clare Payne, Ethics, Trust and Transparency Leader – EY Oceania.

Download Clare’s full article below to find out more about decision making, and access questions you can use as prompts to consider broader perspectives and start improving your decision-making skills.