Decision Frameworks Comparison Guide
Decision Frameworks Comparison Guide Ā· Years 7ā10
NgÄ WhÄinga Akoranga Ā· Learning Intentions
- Investigate a significant question using evidence from multiple sources
- Analyse and evaluate information to form and support a reasoned position
- Connect learning to real-world contexts, including Aotearoa New Zealand settings
- Communicate understanding clearly and accurately for a specific audience
Paearu Angitu Ā· Success Criteria
- I use at least two sources and can evaluate their credibility
- My position is clearly stated and supported by specific evidence
- I can connect my learning to at least one real-world Aotearoa context
- My communication is clear, organised, and appropriate for the audience
š Decision Frameworks Comparison Guide
Choosing the Right Approach for Complex Decisions
This guide helps you select and apply the most appropriate decision-making framework for different types of problems, ensuring thoughtful analysis that considers cultural, ethical, practical, and systemic factors.
How to Use This Guide
Different decisions require different approaches. This guide provides a systematic way to choose the right framework based on the nature of your decision, the stakeholders involved, and the type of outcome you're seeking. Remember: the best decisions often combine multiple frameworks!
Framework Selection Matrix
| Decision Type | Primary Framework | Secondary Framework | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Community/WhÄnau Decisions School policies, cultural events, community projects |
Te Ao MÄori Framework | Ethical Decision Matrix | Relationships, cultural values, long-term impact on community |
|
Business/Financial Decisions Investments, resource allocation, business strategies |
Cost-Benefit Analysis | Systems Thinking Approach | Financial impact, market conditions, stakeholder returns |
|
Personal Ethical Choices Personal relationships, moral dilemmas, lifestyle choices |
Ethical Decision Matrix | Te Ao MÄori Framework | Moral principles, personal values, impact on others |
|
Complex Systemic Problems Environmental issues, organisational change, social problems |
Systems Thinking Approach | Te Ao MÄori Framework | Interconnected factors, unintended consequences, long-term effects |
Detailed Framework Analysis
šæ Te Ao MÄori Framework
Core Principles:
- Whanaungatanga: How does this affect our relationships?
- Kaitiakitanga: What is our responsibility to care for this?
- Manaakitanga: How does this show care for others?
- Rangatiratanga: How does this support self-determination?
Best For:
- Community decisions
- Environmental choices
- Cultural matters
- Intergenerational planning
Questions to Ask:
- How does this decision honour our ancestors?
- What impact will this have on future generations?
- Does this strengthen our community bonds?
- How does this reflect our cultural values?
š° Cost-Benefit Analysis
Core Principles:
- Quantification: Measure costs and benefits
- Time Value: Consider when costs/benefits occur
- Risk Assessment: Account for uncertainty
- Stakeholder Impact: Who gains, who loses?
Best For:
- Business decisions
- Resource allocation
- Policy choices
- Investment decisions
Questions to Ask:
- What are the immediate financial costs?
- What are the long-term economic benefits?
- Who bears the costs and who receives benefits?
- What are the hidden or indirect costs?
āļø Ethical Decision Matrix
Core Principles:
- Moral Principles: What ethical values are at stake?
- Harm Assessment: Who might be harmed?
- Fairness: Is this decision fair to all?
- Transparency: Would I be comfortable if this were public?
Best For:
- Personal choices
- Social issues
- Controversial topics
- Moral dilemmas
Questions to Ask:
- What moral principles are involved?
- Who might be harmed by this decision?
- Is this decision fair to all affected parties?
- Would I be comfortable if this decision were made public?
š Systems Thinking Approach
Core Principles:
- Interconnectedness: How do parts affect the whole?
- Feedback Loops: What cycles might be created?
- Emergence: What unexpected outcomes might arise?
- Boundaries: What's included/excluded from consideration?
Best For:
- Complex problems
- Organisational decisions
- Social change
- Environmental issues
Questions to Ask:
- How does this decision affect the broader system?
- What unintended consequences might occur?
- How do different parts of the system interact?
- What feedback loops might be created?
Decision-Making Process Template
Step-by-Step Decision Process
1. Define the Decision
- What exactly needs to be decided?
- What are the key constraints?
- Who are the stakeholders?
- What's the timeline?
2. Choose Framework(s)
- What type of decision is this?
- Which framework(s) are most appropriate?
- Do you need to combine frameworks?
- What cultural considerations apply?
3. Gather Information
- What data do you need?
- Who should you consult?
- What perspectives are missing?
- What assumptions are you making?
4. Analyse Options
- Apply your chosen framework(s)
- Consider multiple scenarios
- Evaluate short and long-term impacts
- Identify risks and opportunities
5. Make Decision
- Choose the best option
- Document your reasoning
- Communicate to stakeholders
- Prepare for implementation
6. Review & Learn
- Monitor outcomes
- Evaluate effectiveness
- Learn from mistakes
- Improve future decisions
Practice Scenarios
Scenario 1: School Technology Investment
Context: Your school has $50,000 to invest in technology. Options include: new computers, tablets, or a combination. Consider student needs, teacher training, maintenance costs, and long-term benefits.
Recommended Frameworks:
- Primary: Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Secondary: Systems Thinking Approach
Key Questions:
- What's the return on investment for each option?
- How will this affect teaching and learning systems?
- What training and support will be needed?
- How does this align with educational goals?
Scenario 2: Community Cultural Event
Context: Your community wants to organise a cultural festival celebrating local traditions. Consider venue options, cultural protocols, community participation, and long-term cultural impact.
Recommended Frameworks:
- Primary: Te Ao MÄori Framework
- Secondary: Ethical Decision Matrix
Key Questions:
- How does this strengthen community relationships?
- What cultural protocols must be followed?
- How does this honour our ancestors?
- What impact will this have on future generations?
Scenario 3: Environmental Policy Decision
Context: A local council must decide whether to approve a development project that would create jobs but potentially harm local ecosystems. Consider economic benefits, environmental impacts, and community values.
Recommended Frameworks:
- Primary: Systems Thinking Approach
- Secondary: Te Ao MÄori Framework
Key Questions:
- How does this affect the broader ecosystem?
- What are the long-term environmental consequences?
- How does this impact our kaitiakitanga responsibilities?
- What feedback loops might be created?
Related Resources
š§ Advanced Decision-Making Lesson
Comprehensive lesson on applying decision-making frameworks to complex scenarios.
š Logical Fallacies Guide
Learn to identify and avoid common reasoning errors in decision-making.
š Evidence Evaluation
Systematic approach to evaluating evidence quality and relevance.
Hononga Marautanga Ā· Curriculum Alignment
Curriculum alignment for this handout has not yet been verified against the live curriculum statements. A generated placeholder that stood here was removed on 2026-08-29 because it matched no real statement.
Tuhia Åu whakaaro Ā· Write Your Thoughts
Reflect on your learning. What was the most important idea? What question do you still have?
Aronga MÄtauranga MÄori
This resource sits within a kaupapa that recognises mÄtauranga MÄori as a living knowledge system with its own frameworks, values, and ways of understanding the world. The New Zealand Curriculum calls for learning that reflects the bicultural partnership of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which means every subject area has an obligation to engage authentically with MÄori perspectives ā not as cultural decoration but as substantive contributions to how we understand our topics. The concepts of manaakitanga (care for others), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), whanaungatanga (relationship and belonging), and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) provide a values framework applicable across all learning areas, and all are relevant to the work in this handout.
NgÄ Rauemi Tautoko Ā· Resources already provided
This handout is designed to be used alongside other resources in the same unit. Related materials are linked in the unit planner. All content is provided ā no additional preparation is required to use this handout in your classroom.
Curriculum alignment
- NZC (2007) Ā· Science essence statement: Science is a way of investigating, understanding, and explaining our natural, physical world and the wider universe. It involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence ā including by making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, and communicating and debating with others ā in order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding, and explanations.
- Pairing chosen by this resource: This resource chooses to teach that science alongside mÄtauranga MÄori, which stands as a knowledge system in its own right ā the pairing is this resource's own approach, not a quotation from the curriculum.
- Focus of this resource: Understand how different knowledge systems ā including mÄtauranga MÄori ā shape how communities relate to the natural world.