Decision Making: Alternatives to Rational Choice Models

Prevailing, highly conservative rational choice theories are challenged in this illuminating volume. Mary Zey and other outstanding contributors expand our understanding of decision-making theory by presenting evidence that points to the wide range and complexity of human decision making. Labeled deviations from formal rationality, other models of decision making--habit, emotion, and moral and ethical values--are shown to be alternative and dominant, not deviating motives behind decision making. Written at an accessible level, this volume examines criticisms of rational choice models (rational choice, public choice, neoclassical economic theories) from a wide range of perspectives within and external to the rational choice model. In Parts II and III, the chapters concentrate on micro and macro alternatives to rational choice models, including a balance of theoretical and empirical pieces. This is the first volume to assemble and further legitimize the alternative models of decision making. Decision Making is essential reading for scholars and students of organization studies, socio-economics, management, sociology, economics, psychology, political science, business ethics, and policy studies.