VDDM: A Value-Driven Decision Model to Augment Value-Focused Thinking Methodology

Date of Award

2025

Degree Type

Open Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Information Systems and Technology, PhD

Program

Center for Information Systems and Technology

Advisor/Supervisor/Committee Chair

Yan Li

Dissertation or Thesis Committee Member

Ace Vo

Dissertation or Thesis Committee Member

Wallace Chipidza

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

© 2025 Yana Saakyan

Keywords

Decision Making, Network Analysis, Value-driven Decision Model, Value-focused Thinking

Abstract

Decision-making is a fundamental human behavior. Most scientific research on Decision-making focuses on alternatives: their evaluation, the psychological mechanisms framing the evaluation, and the dynamics of human interaction around alternatives. Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) offers a paradigm shift by emphasizing the primacy of values in framing decision problems prior to evaluating alternatives. This approach is critical as it shapes the decision-making process and outcomes from the outset. Despite the theoretical and practical benefits of VFT, its integration into mainstream Decision-Making research has been minimal. A thorough review of VFT literature reveals its promise as a problem-solving approach but also uncovers seven key areas where it is deficient for practical, real-world decision-making applications. These deficiencies include challenges in the identification of stakeholders, the articulation and elicitation of values, the development and structuring of objectives, and the creation and evaluation of alternatives. This dissertation introduces the Value-Driven Decision Model (VDDM) to address these shortcomings. The VDDM refines VFT with a comprehensive set of definitions, protocols, and best practices that address the seven areas of improvement and include: (1) a classification method for identifying stakeholders; (2) a definition of value’s three dimensions and a standardized protocol for value elicitation; (3) a structured approach for crafting high-quality objectives; (4) detailed guidelines for constructing and quantifying an Objective Network; (5) a framework for generating and evaluating alternatives; and (6) an empirical evaluation to assess the model’s effectiveness in enhancing decision-making processes. The model is operationalized through a prototype and tested within a real-world decision-making scenario. The evaluation of the model validated its effectiveness and informed further refinement of the VDDM and its applications. While developing the VDDM, a novel design approach emerged within the realm of Design Science Research (DSR). This approach is characterized by its three-dimensional focus on theoretical development, practical application, and usability. The theoretical dimension ensures that the VDDM is rooted in a deep understanding of decision-making principles and contributes to academic discourse. The practical dimension addresses the real-world applicability of the model, ensuring that it solves tangible problems and improves decision-making efficacy. The usability dimension emphasizes the user experience, ensuring the model is accessible, intuitive, and adaptable to various decision-making contexts. The dissertation advances the theoretical decision-making methodology by critically examining the limitations within VFT and introducing the VDDM as a comprehensive enhancement. The VDDM not only enriches the theoretical understanding of decision-making processes but also offers empirical evidence supporting the optimization of decision outcomes, demonstrating the practical benefits of a value-driven approach. The VDDM's practical implications are far-reaching. It provides a prescriptive model that supports decision-makers in a wide range of fields, including decision science, information systems, operations, and management. The model's utility is showcased through its application in a real-world scenario, which highlights its effectiveness and adaptability. The VDDM facilitates a more strategic and value-aligned decision-making process, crucial in today's complex and fast-paced environment. Methodologically, the VDDM represents an innovative approach within Design Science Research (DSR), integrating theoretical rigor, practical relevance, and usability into a cohesive framework. This tripartite design framework ensures that the artifacts developed through the VDDM are not only theoretically sound but also practically viable and user-friendly. The VDDM stands as a testament to the potential of integrating values into the decision-making process, offering a new lens through which to view and navigate the complex decision landscapes of the modern world. The VDDM's development and evaluation serve as a blueprint for future research and practice, paving the way for more informed, value-aligned, and impactful decisions across various domains.

ISBN

9798288851667

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS