Rowe & Boulgarides · Decision Styles

Decision-Making Style Assessment

Based on Rowe & Boulgarides' (1983) Decision Style Inventory, this assessment reveals how you gather information, process complexity, and arrive at decisions — both under normal conditions and under pressure.

20 questions 7–9 minutes Instant results Free
The Four Decision Styles — 2×2 Model
Low
Complexity Cognitive Complexity High
Complexity
Directive
Task · Low Complexity

Fast, structured, action-oriented. Uses rules and experience to decide efficiently.

Behavioral
People · Low Complexity

Collaborative, empathic, consensus-oriented. Prioritizes relationships and buy-in.

Analytical
Task · High Complexity

Systematic, thorough, data-intensive. Seeks the best solution through rigorous analysis.

Conceptual
People · High Complexity

Creative, visionary, values-anchored. Thinks long-range and embraces novel possibilities.

Task Orientation ← Orientation → People Orientation
All four decision styles are effective in the right context. This assessment reveals your default orientation — not a ceiling on your capability.

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Your Decision Style Profile

Based on the Rowe & Boulgarides Decision Style Inventory

Primary Decision Style

Decision Style Quadrant — Task × People / Complexity

Low
Complexity Cognitive
Complexity High
Complexity
Task Orientation ← Orientation → People Orientation
Horizontal = Orientation · Vertical = Cognitive Complexity

All Style Scores

Mean score per style (1–5 scale). Higher = stronger orientation toward that decision mode.

Backup Style
Your backup style is the decision orientation you shift into when your primary style isn't working or when you're under pressure. It tends to emerge reactively rather than by deliberate choice — understanding it helps you distinguish intentional flexibility from automatic drift.

All Four Styles — What They Look Like

Situational Effectiveness Guide

Style Best For Watch Out For Development Edge

See how your decision style connects to your leadership approach.

Take the Leadership Style Assessment →