What characterizes programmed decisions?

Programmed decisions are often characterized by their reliance on established procedures and past experiences. These types of decisions typically arise in situations that are routine and predictable, allowing individuals to apply previously successful solutions without the need for extensive information gathering or deep analysis. When faced with familiar issues, decision-makers can draw upon their knowledge and experiences to swiftly arrive at a conclusion.

This contrasts with the other options; for instance, situations requiring extensive information gathering are usually more complex and might not have a direct precedent, necessitating a more analytical approach. Similarly, decisions based on intuition and gut feelings pertain to more ambiguous circumstances where programmed decisions would not suffice, as those rely heavily on established guidelines. Lastly, complex situations that are new typically require non-programmed decision-making strategies, which are more exploratory and innovative rather than based on past familiarity. Thus, the reliance on past experiences and familiarity defines programmed decisions effectively.