Ali Intezari Harsini

Doctor of Philosophy, (Management)
Study Completed: 2014
Massey Business School

Citation

Thesis Title
Wisdom and decision making: Grounding theory in management practice

How does wisdom contribute to the managerial decision-making process? In one of the first empirical studies in the area of wisdom and management, Mr. Intezari interviewed New Zealand public and private sector managers and executives to examine their perceptions on the relationship between wisdom and decision-making. The findings suggest that wise decision-making results from an iterative and integrated process of decision-making and learning involving a set of decision-making qualities and criteria that evolve throughout the decision-making process. A theory explaining the reflective-praxis basis for decision-making was developed.  The implications of this study are significant as it broadens the academic view of the practicability of wisdom in management and adds greater understanding of the role of reflection and learning in decision-making. For practitioners engaged in managerial decision-making, or in management training programs, developing decision-making abilities in situ must now be considered an integral learning praxis, which management school might well consider fostering.

Supervisors
Professor David Pauleen
Associate Professor Wendelin Kupers