Case Study # 5- Perl Carlsson Today's business world revolves around decision-making, often risky, often with incomplete or inadequate information, and under intense time pressure. Most managers make one decision after another; And as if it weren't difficult enough, now it's riskier than ever. Bad decisions can cost millions. What must managers do to make effective decisions in a rapidly changing world? Perl Carlsson, product development manager at IKEA, "spends his days creating Volvo-style kitchens at Yugo-style prices." Their job is to take the "issues" identified by the company's product strategy council (a group of seasoned globetrotting managers who track consumer trends and set product priorities) and turn them into furniture for customers around the world. want to buy. A recently identified "problem" by the council: the kitchen has replaced the living room as the home's entertainment and socializing center. Customers are looking for kitchens that combine comfort and cleanliness, while at the same time allowing them to fulfill their gourmet aspirations. Carlsson must use this information to make things happen. There are many decisions to be made, both scheduled and unscheduled, and the fact that IKEA is a global company makes it even more challenging. In Asia, comfort means small, cozy accessories and spaces, while in North America customers prefer oversized glassware and giant refrigerators. Your ability to make good decisions quickly has important implications for the success of IKEA.

Questions

1. What must managers do to make effective decisions in a rapidly changing world?

2. All managers want to make good decisions. However, is there only one global "best" way to make decisions? Or does the "best way depend on the values, beliefs, attitudes and behavior patterns of the people involved"?