The Invisible Influences on Decision-Making: Perspectives from Policing, Medicine, Education, and Counselling

The Invisible Influences on Decision-Making explores the often unseen factors that influence decision-making in both everyday life and various professional settings, with a particular focus on policing, medicine, education, and counselling.

Chitpin and Dougan present key findings and trends in decision-making research, then go on to explore the concept of indecisiveness before examining decision-making processes in these specific professions. The authors employ qualitative research methodologies, such as case studies and phenomenology, alongside social influence theories, to provide a nuanced and current understanding of decision-making within these fields. By incorporating perspectives from professionals, chapters aim to enhance public understanding and confidence in how decisions are made in these critical areas, especially within a Canadian context.

While there is existing literature on decision-making in community service professions, it often remains discipline specific. The Invisible Influences on Decision-Making addresses the need for more inter-professional and interdisciplinary research, highlighting the collaborative nature of these professions and the complexities of their decision-making processes. By integrating real professional examples with research and theory, this study offers a compelling and insightful narrative that will engage researchers, practitioners, and graduate students across various fields.

Stephanie Chitpin is a Full Professor of Leadership at the Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Canada.

Michael Dougan is a doctoral candidate in Health Professions Education at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Michael is a practicing psychotherapist and clinical supervisor with nearly a decade of professional experience in mental health care.