The Fiction of a Factual Approach to Decision-Making

Abstract

The philosophy of the ISO9001:2008 Management System Standard is based on 8 Quality Principles of which the seventh is Factual Approach to Decision-Making. This principle is introduced and the rationale behind and reasons for its inclusion discussed. However, a paucity of critical discussions of this and other quality principles is evident and this paper attempts to point out some important aspects of this principle that requires critical re-evaluation to ensure its continued relevance to Quality Systems based on the ISO9001:2008 approach. The dichotomies Rational-Intuitive, Objective-Subjective and Quantitative-Qualitative are used to highlight areas where a too narrow application of this principle can undermine its value in Quality Systems performance. The AHP/ANP is suggested as providing the necessary structure to enhance complex decision-making in TQM and similar Quality Management regimes.