Programmed Decision is applied to structured or routine problems. This decision is used for routine and repetitive work; it relies primarily on previously established criteria. It is, in effect, decision making by precedent.
NonProgrammed Decision are used for unstructured, novel, and ill-defined situations of a nonrecurring nature.
Most decisions are neither completely programmed not completely nonprogrammed; they are a combination of both.
NonProgrammed decisions are made by upper level managers; this is because upper level managers have to deal with unstructured problems.
Problems at lower levels of the organization are often routine and well structured, requiring less decision discretion by managers and non-managers.
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