Improving Strategic Decision and Senior-level Teamwork in U.S. National Security Organizations

February, 2017
IDA document: P-8339
FFRDC: Systems and Analyses Center
Type: Documents
Division: Strategy, Forces and Resources Division
Authors:
Authors
James S. Thomason, James N. Bexfield See more authors
Good analysis helps, but it is not, and should not be, the sole basis for a decision. Good decisions consider non-quantifiable factors such as the value structure and experiences of the decision maker and those who serve as advisers. Incorporating these factors can be difficult as decision makers often have conflicting priorities and are confused by the contradictory inputs from staff. A method developed by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) that systemically captures these informed personal views to help decision makers better understand their own views on national security issues and where they fit relative to their peers, may prove immensely valuable. The Integrated Risk Assessment and Management Model (IRAMM) could be the answer to improving the decision-making process.