IRRATIONAL DECISION-MAKING: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF ITS EFFECTS ON GOVERNANCE AND POLICY

Authors

  • Akanke Bello Department of Public Administration, Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic Geidam, Yobe State, Nigeria

Keywords:

Irrational decision-making, cognitive biases, policy formulation

Abstract

Irrational decision-making, driven by cognitive biases, emotional influences, and heuristic shortcuts, often undermines sound governance and effective policy formulation. This study critically examines the pervasive impact of irrationality in political and governmental decision-making processes, exploring how leaders and policymakers sometimes make choices that diverge from logical reasoning, leading to suboptimal outcomes. Through a review of case studies and theoretical frameworks, the research identifies the key psychological factors that contribute to irrational decision-making, such as overconfidence, groupthink, and loss aversion. Furthermore, it investigates the implications of these cognitive distortions for policy effectiveness, public trust, and societal development. The paper concludes by proposing strategies to mitigate irrational influences in governance, including fostering better decision-making frameworks, promoting accountability, and encouraging deliberative decision-making processes.

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Published

2024-12-01

How to Cite

Akanke Bello. (2024). IRRATIONAL DECISION-MAKING: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF ITS EFFECTS ON GOVERNANCE AND POLICY. Journal of Applied Science and Social Science, 14(12), 1–5. Retrieved from https://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass/article/view/411