Communication and Decisions

The course provides an overview of the main phenomena related to decision-making, with particular emphasis on the role of communication. It addresses questions such as: What constitutes a decision? What are the prerequisites for a "rational" choice? How do heuristics, intuition, and emotions influence individual decision-making? What are the key features of group decision-making processes? And what dynamics emerge when decisions are made within larger organizational contexts?

Through the exploration of these phenomenological questions, students will learn that the rational model of decision-making, as traditionally proposed by economists, can be critically examined not only at the individual and cognitive levels (e.g., heuristics and emotions), but also at the social level (groups and organizations), where communication plays a fundamental role in shaping decision-making processes.

The course aims to provide an analysis and critical reflection on how decisions are made within organizational contexts, exploring the close relationship between decision-making and communication throughout all stages of the decision-making process and focusing on how members of an organization make sense of complex and ambiguous situations.

From a practical perspective, the course equips students with the methods and tools needed to effectively manage decision-making processes in organizations. Students will also learn how to read and discuss academic texts, appreciating their theoretical and practical insights in order to appropriately address complex decision-making situations.

In presence

The course is designed as a seminar and therefore requires the active participation of students. In addition to reading and presenting academic articles, students will engage extensively in hands-on activities involving a range of decision-making methods and tools. First, they will analyze communication phenomena in real-world decision-making processes and work with a variety of case studies to develop and apply the knowledge acquired in diverse practical contexts. Finally, through scenarios and role-playing exercises, students will practice making decisions, gaining first-hand insight into the complexity of decision-making challenges and the tools that decision makers use to address them.

Attendance is expected. The learning outcomes developed through interactive classroom activities (e.g., presentations and case study discussions) constitute an integral part of the course assessment.

Student assessment is based on two components:

1. Final examination (70%)
2. Group assignments completed during the semester (30%). There are two group assignments: an in-class presentation and discussion of an academic article, and an in-class discussion based on a film. Attendance is mandatory for both activities.

To pass the course, students must obtain a passing grade on the final examination.