Who Are the Key Decision-Makers and Stakeholders?

Decision-making is the process of choosing between alternate courses of action, and may take place at an individual or organizational level. The process may involve establishing objectives, gathering relevant information, identifying alternatives, setting criteria for the decision, and selecting the best option. The nature of the decision-making process within an organization is influenced by its culture and structure, and a number of theoretical models have been developed.

A decision maker is someone with the responsibility and authority to make decisions within an organization, especially those that determine future direction and strategy. Decision makers can include those individuals within an organization who personally and directly participate in or influence a decision.

Stakeholders are parties with a vested interest in firm's success, a person or organization with a legitimate interest in the successful operation of a company or organization. A stakeholder may be an employee, customer, supplier, partner, or even the local community within which an organization operates.

For the purpose of OD and OD evaluation, decision markers could include senior leaders in the C-suite, board of directors, owners or stockholders, and HR, with decisions influenced by operations, employees, suppliers, and customers.

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