This discussion is based on the article, “The Hidden Traps in Decision Making” by Hammond, Keeney, and
Raiffa from Harvard Business Review, which can be found in the Purdue Global Library. Make sure to
read this article before starting the discussion.
Hammond, J. S., Keeney, R. L., & Raiffa, H. (2006, Jan.). The hidden traps in decision making. Harvard
Business Review, 84(1), 118–126.
Learning how to perform analytics is only step one in the road to making correct decisions. There are
many traps along the way that may lead you down the wrong path, even if you know which analytical
methodology you need to use. In this article, the authors describe various psychological traps that you
may encounter.
For this discussion, select one of these traps listed EXCEPT the sunk cost trap. Then, do the following:
From your professional experience, provide one real, specific example where you believe decision
makers (you or other managers) encountered the trap.
Explain why you think your example fits the trap you selected. Remember, there are many bad decisions
that are not the result of a decision trap. Does your example have the characteristics of the decision trap
you selected? Start by providing a definition of the trap according to the article and explain why your
example fits.
Provide specific recommendations to your organization to identify and prevent the trap from occurring in
the future.