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Importance of Making Decisions using Strong Analytical Data

The significance of analytics cannot be understated. This is because the concept is being embrace in all spheres of life to improve decision making. According to Ahmed and Pathan (2019), data analytics is essential in informing the formulation of functional strategies which make individuals and businesses more competitive. Bartlett (2013) notes that combining business analytics with information technology is the backdrop for business intelligence. With the advancement of the internet and information technologies, it is easier for firms to collect, sort, and use varied data that helps direct their activities especially marketing. Analytical data is equally important for religious based organization since it gives them solid data which directs decision making. Backed by this understanding, this essay discusses the importance of making decisions using strong analytical data. The answer is presented from a Christians point view.

                Analytical data is a source of competitive advantage. It is arguable that organizations without big data or access to reliable data are highly disadvantaged against their counterparts. In the same manner, Christians with access to information are advantaged over those without information. Given that the bible is the primary source of data for Christians, those individuals lacking assess to the internet are highly disadvantaged since they cannot access reliable knowledge on the current practices and teachings that could improve them as Christians. This observation is made in the business world where lack of access to information often leads to hierarchies and centralized leadership since few people contain the knowledge and information. However, organizations with strong knowledge management and sharing systems such as IBM have access to massive data that empowers the employees to make decisions. In such organizations, the management easily embraces decentralized leadership where the bottom up approach to decision making is used. This approach to leadership is only possible for firms that use analytical data to make decisions. Therefore, as a Christian leader, it is vital that all the members have access to analyzed information as it empowers individuals and positions them to make informed decisions that improve their lives as Christians.

Second, Christian leaders, just like normal organizational heads can use analytical data to support their decision making. Ahmed and Pathan (2019) explain that analytics provides data that can help identify alternative choices. Second, automatic the data sharing process enables the management to delegate decision making thus capitalizing on the different capabilities held by the individuals within the organization. Third, analytics generates important business insights that support decision making in the organization. Bartlett (2013) reiterates that for a business to make good decisions under these three scenarios, there is a need for data on the industry in which the firm operates. In this case, a Christian leader needs analytical data on the industry to gain an insight on the practices of the rivals and thus, plan appropriately how to improve their services and attract a larger congregation. According to Crumpton (2018), when a Christian lacks facts, then they are bound to make decisions based on opinions. Such decisions are vulnerable to result from an optimistic and overconfidence point of view which often leads to bias. Leaders can avoid scenarios that will lead the followers to question their credibility by making fact-based decisions. An example is when Christian leaders use analytical data on the performance of their programs and congregation to understand their needs and redesign the programs to optimize the value delivered.

Third, analytics data is important to Christian leadership since it helps identify and avoid fraud. Using predictive analytics, as it was applied by Citi Bank and Price water house Coopers could be helpful in identifying or predicting the possibility of a fraud. Such systems are important in guiding the firm on how to take preventive measures and where necessary, take an insurance cover against instances of fraud. From a Christian perspective, it is quintessential for the leader to apply predictive analytics to identify fraudulent Christian leaders and teachers. This action is necessary since there has been an influx of false teachings which are misleading people. The solution to address this challenge lies in the ability for the leader to use predictive analytics to identify instances of fraud in the dissemination of Christian knowledge (Chapple, 2020). Where such measures are unable to tackle the challenge, the leader can encourage the followers to access knowledge and data that will enable them think critically and make better decisions.

As much as analytical data is good for the Christian leader, it is important to acknowledge that decision making can be impaired by a number of factors commonly referred to as decision impairments (Bartlett, 2013). The leader must understand that these challenges could result from disinformation and information overload. Unlike the common notion that more information is better, a lot of information could lead to misinformation which makes Christian congregations vulnerable to bad teachings. In the same breath, over-analysis of information could be detrimental to a Christian leader. Even though it is hard for the leader to know the right balance between adequate data, it is important that the information presented to the followers is not overly analyzed since such information could promote poor framing of decisions. Bartlett (2013) presents the example of Apple which is able to balance its data analysis process to avoid misinformation and over information. As a result, the management is able to use the available analytical data to create superior products that appeal to its customers. Christian leaders can emulate the example of Apple and ensure that the information presented to the congregation is just enough to help them grow spiritually (Ilarious, 2020). Besides, leaders are encouraged not to embrace tunnel thinking (rigidity) and deterministic thinking as such practices deter them from effectively using analytical data.

To this end, Christian leaders need to adapt analytics-driven culture by introducing reward systems to encourage analytics-based decision making. The leaders should further integrate analytics into their strategizing processes. Additionally, the business should foster continual learning and experimentation so as to create an informed and knowledgeable congregation and can think critically and discern biblical teachings without being misled by the false teachings (Merida, Platt & Akin, 2015). By embracing these practices, the Christian leader will optimize the benefits derived from analytical data. As discussed in this paper, these benefits include; competitive advantage. Organizations and Christians with reliable and analyzed data have a better understanding of their environment and are effectively positioned to counter any rivalry or wrong doctrines. Second, analytics data is quintessential in supporting decision making. Decisions made by organizations and Christian leaders are important in ensuring the success and perpetuity of the organization. Whereas organizations that make poor decisions could suffer immense loss leading to closure or bankruptcy, those that make good decisions are able to maximize their profitability. In the case of the Christian leader, good decisions could help enhance their credibility and lead more souls to Christ. Third, analytics data helps firms and leaders predict fraud thus instigating measures to protect the organization.