ABSTRACT
The decision-making process is a volatile arena in which international crises can be all too easily precipitated. The bio/psycho/social complex which comprises the personality of the decision-maker will have a profound impact on the decision-making process. The personality of the decision-maker imprints on the group either a cautious or an impulsive approach. The leader communicates his predisposition for autonomy versus dependency to his team and sets a tone of optimism or pessimism. The advisors of the decision-maker need to view, scrutinize, and explore a full range of alternatives in order to enrich and widen the leader's perspective of a crisis. Careful decision-making widens the vision of the decision-making team by screening and sorting a broad spectrum of alternatives. Wise decision-making incorporates flexibility and the willingness to reverse a decision if it proves to be immoral or shameful. Decision-making can also be impaired or avoided by the use of defensive procrastination.
