PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES IN DECISION MAKING: THE ETHIOPIAN PHARMACEUTICALS FUND AND SUPPLY AGENCY

Abstract

Decision-making is one of the most important functions of deciders in any kind of organization. Decision-making activities a complex process that must be understood completely before it can be practiced effectively. It is necessary the decision making to follow the necessary producers and make the right choice using the right tool that fits the particular solution to avoid the consequences of a bad decision. The main purpose of the study was to assess the current practices and challenges of decision making in Pharmaceutical Fund Supply Agency (PFSA) in light of decision making principles and theories. To conduct this study, a descriptive survey method was employed. Simple and purposive sampling techniques were used. The data was collected through questionnaire, structure interview and document analysis. The study was conducted in PFSA head Office and its 10 branches. The sample for this purpose were taken from a total of 6 directors and hub mangers, 14 case team leaders and 63 Employees on level 12&13 ,they will be a future successor leaders in the Agency as actual sources of information. Data analysis was made using descriptive statistics, frequency count and percentage. Findings of the study indicated that the decision making authority concentrated at the center 78.3 %( 18). Deciders at middle and operational level have minimum delegation of power. The participation for decision making practices was low. The decision Practices were highly dominated by individual’s interest and power. The practiced decision were deemed to takes place under time pressure and bad decision observed due to shortage of information, the deciders decision making skills were low , the decision communication was poor. Thus, the agency should alleviate their weaknesses by applying clear and scientific principles regarding decision making practices. Thus, the study of decision-making practices remains very important and much more empirical research is required before any perfect conclusion