Critical thinking is one of the most important skills required in making various decisions that pertain to business, management, relationships, and every other aspect of life. Many definitions have been ascribed to critical thinking by various scholars. Generally, critical thinking refers to the capacity to form thoughts clearly and logically. It encompasses the ability to undertake reflective and self-regulating thinking. Watson-Glaser defined critical thinking as a combination of attitudes, skills, and knowledge. It is purposeful, independent judgment, which brings about interpretation, analysis, assessment, and conclusion, in addition to rationalization of the abstract, evidential, practical, or background reflection at which that decision is based.
Critical thinking is pegged on the assumptions that the quality thinking of an individual impacts on their quality of life and secondly, every individual can continually learn how to improve their quality of thinking. Critical thinking skills enable one to appreciate the rational connections involving ideas and identify, create and assess arguments. It facilitates detection of irregularities and regular mistakes in a way of thinking and identifies the significance and value of ideas. Similarly, it helps solve problems analytically besides the ability to think seriously on the validation of an individual’s beliefs as well as values.
In the 21st century, critical thinking can be defined as the raw material for decision-making and ultimate business success. Huge businesses have gone down the drain when its employees cannot think critically and make right decisions. One of the areas that require critical thinking at the work place is in the field of human resources. However, other fields like marketing and customer service also require skills in critical thinking, as they are equally important. Therefore as employees under public relations, sales, and marketing, we had to employ critical thinking ability in making vital decisions that regard the company’s public perception and its services and products.
We therefore, found it appropriate to use a marketing technique that brought about a common appeal, in spite of the intended market’s gender, ethnicity, or other distinctiveness. This ensures that the product or the car is accessible and appealing to a wide range of potential customers.
Critical thinking and decision-making are inseparable. Critical thinking can take place without decision-making but effective decision-making cannot take place without critical thinking skills. Various benefits and importance arise from critical thinking. One obvious benefit is the effectiveness in decision-making.
New employees must be tested on their critical thinking ability to ensure that they can make decisions for the company. A business with managers who cannot make decisions based on critical thinking are predisposed to fail as serious financial and management mistakes are likely to be made.
Critical thinking helps in making a clear distinction between emotions and rationality. Management decisions should not be based on emotions and personal bias but on logic or rationality . This helps consider the ideas of others, verify evidences and support statements that will guide decision making on actuality.
It also presents unambiguous mind in the midst of panic or throng hysteria that are applicable in sorting out the mess. Critical thinking enables people to reflect on all credible alternatives and opt for the most viable and fitting one for a specific situation. It enables individuals to doubt their decisions as they look at every situation from a standpoint of an adequate level of doubt and skepticism. They are often calm and can differentiate between right and wrong. Individuals who lack critical thinking skills easily make decisions based on what they believe. Lastly, it saves on time since one can consider the quickest and the most rational way of reaching a goal or a target.
Critical thinking refers to the capacity to form thoughts clearly and logically and to undertake reflective and self-regulating thinking. It is a very important skill whether in school, at work or in management. It has become the most effective tool in business and management in the 21st century. It is instrumental in human resource, marketing, customer service, conflict resolution, and financial management.