Improving dynamic decision making through training and self-reflection

The modern business environment requires managers to make effective decisions in a dynamic and uncertain world. how can such dynamic decision making (ddm) improve? the current study investigated the effects of brief training aimed at improving ddm skills in a virtual ddm task. the training addressed the ddm process,stressed the importance of selfreflection in ddm,and provided 3 self-reflective questions to guide participants during the task. additionally,we explored whether participants low or high in self-reflection would perform better in the task and whether participants low or high in self-reflection would benefit more from the training. the study also explored possible strategic differences between participants related to training and self-reflection. participants were 68 graduate business students. they individually managed a computer-simulated chocolate production company called choco fine and answered surveys to assess self-reflection and demographics. training in ddm led to better performance,including the ability to solve initial problems more successfully and to make appropriate adjustments to market changes. participants’ self-reflection scores also predicted performance in this virtual business company. high self-reflection was also related to more consistency in planning and decision making. participants low in self-reflection benefitted the most from training. organizations could use ddm training to establish and promote a culture that values self-reflective decision making. © 2015.