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This list of factors affecting decision making is not mutually exclusive. While it's difficult to imagine a situation in which all of these apply simultaneously, it's clear that in most cases, a subset of these are relevant, rather than just a single factor.
- Environment
- Our level of confidence
- State of mind
- Physiology
- Emotion
- Risk tolerance
- Past history. "Once bitten twice shy."
- Mood (optimism, pessimism)
- Culture. Some decisions may seem appropriate or inappropriate depending on culture
- Rationality. Logic prevails (at all costs)
- Irrationality. Effect of emotions such as greed, fear, anger
- Physical needs such as lust, hunger, fatigue
- Politics
- Perspective (age, race, gender)
- Blackmail. We may be forced to make a decision under pressure
- Priorities. Where does a particular issue stand in relative importance to other concerns?
- Spiritual motivation
- Perceived risks
- Real risks
- Magnitude of downside, loss, damage to our organization
- Personal stake. How much do we stand to gain or lose
- Likelihood of various outcomes, positive and negative
- Reputation risk or benefit
- Values (societal and personal)
- Faith/religion
- Expectations
- Hopes, aspirations
- Pressure or support by friends
- Presence of allies
- Opinions of partners
- Stands taken by enemies
- Loyalty to a cause
- Patriotism
- Nationalism
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