The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Decision making DECM

Using critical thinking to evaluate information, assess risks, and select the best course of action.

SFIA 9 is in development

  • SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024
  • This is subject to change before publication.

Guidance notes

Decision making in SFIA represents a progression from routine choices to strategic, high-impact decisions. It involves:

  • evaluating information and assessing risks
  • balancing intuition and logic
  • understanding organisational context
  • determining the best course of action
  • taking accountability for outcomes.

Effective decision making encompasses analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to assess risks and consequences, and a comprehensive understanding of business context. It also involves knowing when to escalate issues and how to balance competing priorities.

 

Level 1 - Follow

  • Uses little discretion in attending to enquiries.  
  • Is expected to seek guidance in unexpected situations. 

Level 2 - Assist

  • Uses limited discretion in resolving issues or enquiries.
  • Decides when to seek guidance in unexpected situations. 

Level 3 - Apply

  • Uses discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues related to own assignments. 
  • Determines when issues should be escalated to a higher level. 

Level 4 - Enable

  • Uses judgment and substantial discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues and assignments related to projects and team objectives.
  • Escalates when scope is impacted. 

Level 5 - Ensure, advise

  • Uses judgement to make informed decisions on actions to achieve organisational outcomes such as meeting targets, deadlines, and budget.
  • Raises issues when objectives are at risk.

Level 6 - Initiate, influence

  • Uses judgement to make decisions that initiate the achievement of agreed strategic objectives including financial performance.
  • Escalates when broader strategic direction is impacted.

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise

  • Uses judgement in making decisions critical to the organisational strategic direction and success.
  • Escalates when business executive management input is required through established governance structures.