Mapping the Relevance of Complex Decision Making to Canadian Forces Land Operations (Mappage de la pertinence de la prise de d cisions complexes pour les op rations terrestres des Forces canadiennes)

摘要

Challenging decision making environments such as those experienced by the Canadian Forces are commonly being characterized as 'complex' by researchers (e.g., Grisogono, 2010). The main goal of this project was to determine whether research investigating complex decision making is relevant to the decision making actually experienced by Canadian Forces personnel, and how that research might be used to improve Canadian Forces education and training related to decision making. Complex decision making environments are characterized by requiring a series of interdependent decisions in a context which changes both autonomously and as a function of the actions of the decision maker, and where timing is a key element (e.g., decision makers may have to act at particular time in order to have their intended effect). Although factors identified in the complexity literature did appear to play a strong role in Canadian Forces decision making, further research is required to determine the relative role that these factors play in increasing decision making difficulty. Research identified additional challenges faced by Canadian Forces personnel which were not noted in the complexity literature, including challenges related to collaboration and communication. Other areas which pose significant challenges to CF personnel which appear to require additional education and training include planning and dealing with resource challenges. Canadian Forces personnel who are engaged in domestic and expeditionary operations appear to encounter the highest level of complexity in their decision making, and initial education and training efforts should probably focus on these individuals rather than individuals engaged in domestic day-to- day functions.