There are several models that can be used by an individual in the decision-making o0r policy-making process. The most common type of method used in the process is normative or prescriptive decision-making. This policy is concerned with the identification of the best decision that can be taken from a wide range of options available (Walter, 2010). When the prescriptive approach is put into practice, however, there are several scenarios in which the 'best' option to choose may not always be the one that gives the best returns.
Hence, the prescriptive policy-making model works on the assumption that the person involved in the policy-making process is a fully informed and rational decision-maker who is able to compute available data with a certain degree of accuracy. The practical application of the descriptive approach to policy making is aimed at identifying the appropriate tools, methodologies and software applications called decision support systems that assist in the decision-making and policy-making process (Sanderson, 2006).
The prescriptive approach has originated from ethical theories in the field of philosophy. These theories offer a wide range of decision-making aids that enhance the way an individual thinks about ethical issues and choices. The prescriptive approach essentially prescribes the decisions that need to be made by a person assuming the role of a moral agent having a strong conscience (Sanderson, 2006). Ideally, the approach works best for a person who is careful in thinking about and making choices related to the field of ethics.
A prescriptive approach is designed in such a manner that it helps an individual to make the decision that is the most ethically correct. However, it is also true that certain individuals do not always end up making the best decision since prescriptions aren't always followed. Therefore, the prescriptive approach works by trying to ...