Question

In the interplay between system 1 and system 2 thinking, the key goal for managers is in the interplay between system 1 and system 2 thinking, the key goal for managers is

		To attempt to use system 2 thinking as much as possible
		To identify when they should move from system 1 to system 2 thinking
		To apply both systems in making decisions in order to perform a more thorough and complex search for alternatives
		To improve their use of system 1 thinking

Answer 1

System 1 is the rapid response system. Its strength lies in working quickly and needing less energy and effort. It makes judgements based on experiences and generalisations, and usually gets things right. When we use it, it doesn’t ‘feel like thinking.  System 2 works hard and takes a lot of energy. Its evolutionary weakness is that we can’t afford to run System 2 all the time. And neither could we react quickly enough to threats.

In decision making, System 1 has a habit of jumping to conclusions. It is good at quick, instinctive choices. Organisational life means more careful thought. By all means System 1’s intuitions must be followed. But then System 2 must be allowed to think them carefully and modify or reject if necessary. Evidence is required, and System 2 is the mode that knows how to assess it.

Therefore, managers must apply both systems in decision making in order to perform a more thorough search for alternatives because alternatives are needed while making a proper decision.

I also feel that to identify when to move from system 1 to 2 is important because there can be different kind of situations where a manager has to think acordingly to make a judgement.