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The Invisible Influences on Decision-Making
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14 October 2025

The Invisible Influences on Decision-Making explores the often unseen factors that influence decision-making in both everyday life and various professional settings, with a particular focus on policing, medicine, education, and counselling.
Chitpin and Dougan present key findings and trends in decision-making research, then go on to explore the concept of indecisiveness before examining decision-making processes in these specific professions. The authors employ qualitative research methodologies, such as case studies and phenomenology, alongside social influence theories, to provide a nuanced and current understanding of decision-making within these fields. By incorporating perspectives from professionals, chapters aim to enhance public understanding and confidence in how decisions are made in these critical areas, especially within a Canadian context.
While there is existing literature on decision-making in community service professions, it often remains discipline specific. The Invisible Influences on Decision-Making addresses the need for more inter-professional and interdisciplinary research, highlighting the collaborative nature of these professions and the complexities of their decision-making processes. By integrating real professional examples with research and theory, this study offers a compelling and insightful narrative that will engage researchers, practitioners, and graduate students across various fields.
This is a thoughtful and experiential exploration of decision-making and oft-unrecognized influences on our choices.
Stephanie Chitpin is a Full Professor of Leadership at the Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Canada.
Michael Dougan is a doctoral candidate in Health Professions Education at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Michael is a practicing psychotherapist and clinical supervisor with nearly a decade of professional experience in mental health care.
Chapter 1. Introducing Decision-Making in Professional Practices
Chapter 2. Indecisiveness
Chapter 3. Sustainable Leadership: A Framework for School Leaders
Chapter 4. The Invisible Influence on Canadian Police Decision-Making
Chapter 5. Affective Influences on Decision-Making in Policing
Chapter 6. Trust and Legitimacy in Police Work
Chapter 7. Experiences in Feeling Through Decision-Making in Counselling
Chapter 8. “Ultimate Decision”: The Untold Story
Chapter 9. Possible Insights & Future Directions