The Invisible Influences on Decision-Making

Perspectives from Policing, Medicine, Education, and Counselling

Stephanie Chitpin|Michael Dougan
Emerald
Emerald

This book can be opened with

Glassboxx eBooks and audiobooks can be opened on phones, tablets, iOS and Android devices

Hardback
9781836626954
14 October 2025
$105.00
eBook (PDF)
9781836626947
24 September 2025
$105.00
eBook (ePub)
9781836626961
24 September 2025
$105.00

Note on our eBooks and Audiobooks: you can read our eBooks (ePUB or PDF) and listen to audiobooks on the free Emerald Books app on iOS, Android, and desktop. Or read and listen on Emerald's online reader (ePUB eBooks and audiobooks only). To purchase a digital book you will need to create an account if you don’t already have one. After purchasing you will receive instructions on how to get started.

  • Description
  • Contents
  • Reviews
  • About

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.

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

This is a thoughtful and experiential exploration of decision-making and oft-unrecognized influences on our choices.

- Jessica Israelstam, Registered Psychotherapist

The authors offer a compelling exploration of decision-making and the many influences that impact leadership in various areas of life and the social world. This book offers valuable insight into decision-making processes and future directions for research.

- Rebecca Smith, M.S.W., R.S.W.

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.