Curated Public Content

List of Curated Public Content on Decision Making

The following books have been vetted by SDP as meeting our standard for the profession.  We have grouped them into four categories depending on the level of depth, as follows:


High level easy read books intended for the general public.  If you are new to the profession, start with these.

Decisive

Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

In "Decisive," the Heath brothers present a four-step process (WRAP) to help individuals and organizations make better decisions. The book addresses common cognitive biases and decision traps, offering practical strategies to improve decision-making in everyday life and work.

How We Decide

How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer

Lehrer examines the neuroscience behind decision-making, explaining how different brain parts contribute to both rational and emotional decisions, with real-world examples to improve complex choices.

Noise

Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, and Cass R. Sunstein

"Noise" examines the often-overlooked variability in human judgment caused by inconsistent decision-making, or "noise." The authors explore noise vs. bias and strategies for reducing it to improve decision quality in various fields.

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

Ariely explores irrational behaviors influencing decision-making, drawing on behavioral economics and psychology to explain how hidden forces shape choices, offering insights on recognizing these forces to make better decisions.

Superforecasting

Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction by Philip Tetlock

Tetlock explores the methods and cognitive habits of “superforecasters” who can consistently predict future events, offering techniques that anyone can use to improve predictive abilities.

The Signal and the Noise

The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver

Silver discusses prediction, distinguishing between useful signals and irrelevant noise, and explores ways to improve forecasting in various fields through probabilistic thinking.

The Theory That Would Not Die

The Theory That Would Not Die by Sharon Bertsch McGrayne

McGrayne tells the story of Bayes' Rule, a statistical theorem shaping fields like cryptography and machine learning, highlighting its enduring impact on decision-making.

The Wisdom of Crowds

The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki

Surowiecki examines collective intelligence, showing how groups often make better decisions than individuals, especially under conditions favoring diversity and decentralization.

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Kahneman presents insights into human thinking, describing two systems (fast, intuitive, and slow, analytical) that drive decisions, with strategies to improve decision-making by managing biases.

Thinking in Bets

Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke

Duke uses betting as a metaphor for decision-making, advocating probabilistic thinking to navigate uncertainty and make smarter choices under incomplete information.

Book intended for a general audience that wants to go into depth on the topic. 

Cover of 'Chancification' by Sam L. Savage

"Chancification" by Sam L. Savage

"Chancification" focuses on understanding and managing uncertainty in decision-making. Savage introduces tools for quantifying risk and emphasizes embracing uncertainty as a key to better decisions.

Cover of 'Decision Quality' by Carl Spetzler, Jennifer Meyer, and Hannah Winter

"Decision Quality" by Carl Spetzler, Jennifer Meyer, and Hannah Winter

This book details the Decision Quality (DQ) framework for enhancing business decisions, covering essentials like framing and embracing uncertainty for optimal outcomes.

Cover of 'Decision Traps' by J. Edward Russo and Paul J. H. Schoemaker

"Decision Traps" by J. Edward Russo and Paul J. H. Schoemaker

This book identifies and offers ways to overcome ten common decision-making traps like overconfidence and confirmation bias, enhancing decision-making quality.

Cover of 'The Smart Organization' by David Matheson and Jim Matheson

"The Smart Organization" by David Matheson and Jim Matheson

The authors discuss fostering innovation through a decision-making framework that aligns with organizational strategies for enhanced competitiveness.

Cover of 'Real Options' by Martha Amram and Nalin Kulatilaka

"Real Options" by Martha Amram and Nalin Kulatilaka

This book explores the concept of "real options" to value strategic investments amid uncertainty, combining finance and strategic management.

Cover of 'Winning Decisions' by J. Edward Russo and Paul J. H. Schoemaker

"Winning Decisions" by J. Edward Russo and Paul J. H. Schoemaker

Focusing on cognitive biases in decision-making, this book offers strategies for avoiding common pitfalls, enhancing both personal and professional choices.

Books for people who want to learn the mechanics of the tools and methods used in the profession and build their skill base.

Cover of 'Decision Analysis for the Professional' by Peter McNamee and John Celona

"Decision Analysis for the Professional" by Peter McNamee and John Celona

This guide outlines techniques like influence diagrams and risk modeling to help professionals make quality decisions, illustrated through real-world cases.

Cover of "Ethical Decision Quality" by Ali E. Abbas

"Ethical Decision Quality" by Ali E. Abbas

This book integrates decision analysis with ethical reasoning to create a framework for resolving complex moral dilemmas. It introduces the concept of "Ethical Decision Quality" (EDQ), focusing on clarifying values, managing uncertainty, and balancing competing objectives. With practical tools and case studies, it provides a systematic approach to making ethical decisions in professional and uncertain environments, ideal for leaders and analysts.

Cover of "Ethics for the Real World" by Ronald A. Howard and Clint Korver

"Ethics for the Real World" by Ronald A. Howard and Clint Korver

This book guides readers in creating a personal ethical code to navigate real-world dilemmas in work and life. It emphasizes self-reflection, consistency, and integrity, offering practical strategies to avoid ethical pitfalls like rationalization and peer pressure. Using relatable examples, it demonstrates how a values-based framework can support ethical decision-making in everyday situations.

Cover of 'Give Yourself a Nudge' by Ralph L. Keeney

"Give Yourself a Nudge" by Ralph L. Keeney

Keeney uses nudge theory to guide better decisions in areas like health and career, offering a framework for positive life choices without limiting freedom.

Cover of 'Introduction to Decision Analysis' by David C. Skinner

"Introduction to Decision Analysis" by David C. Skinner

This beginner’s guide covers essential decision analysis tools like decision trees and risk assessment, providing a solid foundation for understanding uncertainty.

Cover of 'Making Hard Decisions' by Robert T. Clemen

"Making Hard Decisions: An Introduction to Decision Analysis" by Robert T. Clemen

This classic text explores structured decision-making through topics like decision trees and risk analysis, practical for various complex contexts.

Cover of 'Managerial Decision Analysis' by Danny Samson

"Managerial Decision Analysis" by Danny Samson

This guide on decision analysis for managers includes topics like risk assessment and optimization to improve decision-making in business environments.

Cover of 'Smart Choices' by John S. Hammond, Ralph L. Keeney, and Howard Raiffa

"Smart Choices: A Practical Guide to Making Better Life Decisions" by John S. Hammond, Ralph L. Keeney, and Howard Raiffa

This practical guide provides tools to clarify objectives and evaluate options for better decision-making aligned with personal and professional goals.

Books intended for in-depth practitioners and those doing research on the profession.

Cover of 'A Primer on Decision Making' by James G. March

"A Primer on Decision Making: How Decisions Happen" by James G. March

This book provides a deep dive into decision-making processes, exploring organizational, psychological, and economic influences on decisions. It addresses complexities like uncertainty and social factors in decision-making within organizations.

Cover of 'Advances in Decision Analysis' edited by Ward Edwards, Ralph F. Miles, and Detlof von Winterfeldt

"Advances in Decision Analysis: From Foundations to Applications" edited by Ward Edwards, Ralph F. Miles, and Detlof von Winterfeldt

This collection of insights from experts covers cutting-edge topics in decision theory, risk management, and behavioral research, offering practical applications for scholars and decision-making professionals.

Cover of 'Decision Making for Enhanced Health Security' by Gilberto Montibeller

"Decision Making for Enhanced Health Security" by Gilberto Montibeller

Montibeller explores decision-making in health security, offering frameworks for health risk management and emergency preparedness, with a focus on pandemic and intervention planning.

Cover of 'Foundations of Decision Analysis' by Ronald A. Howard

"Foundations of Decision Analysis" by Ronald A. Howard

This comprehensive book introduces key principles in decision analysis, including utility theory and risk management, providing a structured approach to complex decision-making.

Cover of 'Invaluable' by Somik Raha

"Invaluable: How to Think Better and Live with Purpose" by Somik Raha

Raha’s book guides readers on value-focused thinking, helping them align decisions with personal values for a meaningful and purpose-driven life.

Cover of 'The Principles and Applications of Decision Analysis' by Ronald A. Howard and James E. Matheson

"The Principles and Applications of Decision Analysis" by Ronald A. Howard and James E. Matheson

This foundational text offers rigorous yet accessible frameworks for decision analysis, covering decision trees, risk management, and the value of information.

Cover of 'Value-Focused Thinking' by Ralph L. Keeney

"Value-Focused Thinking: A Path to Creative Decision Making" by Ralph L. Keeney

Keeney emphasizes prioritizing values before exploring alternatives, allowing for more creative, goal-aligned decision-making in personal and professional settings.