Decision making or Decision-making|The Difference

Hyphen rules in the English language can be tricky, and there are plenty of words that sometimes need hyphens and sometimes don’t. The phrase decision making or decision-making is no exception to this rule. Today, we’ll dive into the details and explore how to determine when to hyphenate the phrase and when to leave it as is.

Decision Making or Decision-Making – Hyphenated or Not?

Both forms of the phrase are correct, but there are specific situations where each version is preferred.

• “Decision making” (without the hyphen) is primarily used as a noun. For example, “We assisted in their decision making.”
• “Decision-making” (with a hyphen) is more commonly used as an adjective to modify a noun. For example, “The decision-making process was complex.”

However, there’s been a shift in recent years. Even though using “decision-making” as a noun isn’t technically correct, it has become increasingly popular in both formal and informal writing.

Is “Decision-Making” Hyphenated in AP Style?

When it comes to AP Style, hyphens serve as joiners between two closely linked words. The rule is simple: you use a hyphen when two or more words work together to modify a noun. The purpose is to ensure that the reader understands the words as a single unit, rather than interpreting them separately.
For example, in the phrase “decision-making process,” the hyphen indicates that “decision” and “making” should be read together as a descriptor for the noun “process.” Once you understand this concept, using hyphens in AP Style becomes more intuitive.

Examples

• The decision-making process took longer than expected.
• She played a key role in the company’s decision-making strategy.
• The decision-making team met every week.
• His decision-making skills improved over time.
• The decision-making authority rests with the CEO.
• They hired a consultant to assist with decision-making analysis.
• The decision-making body will announce the results tomorrow.
• We focused on improving our decision-making techniques.
• The committee’s decision-making power is limited.
• Our decision-making framework ensures efficiency.
• He questioned the company’s decision-making criteria.
• The decision-making role was assigned to her department.
• Effective decision-making requires careful consideration.
• The decision-making process should be transparent.
• They are reviewing their decision-making procedures.

Should I Capitalize “Making” in “Decision-Making”?

This question often pops up when you’re dealing with hyphenated words in titles. The answer depends on the style of capitalization you’re using. Let’s explore the three common title styles:

Old-fashioned style

 Capitalize only the first word and any proper nouns.Example: “decision-making” (with neither word capitalized, unless it’s the first word in the title).

• The Art of Decision-Making is a crucial skill in leadership.
• In life, decision-making often defines one’s character.
• His Decision-Making abilities were praised by his colleagues.
• The process of decision-making should not be rushed.
• We had long discussions about the Decision-Making involved in the matter.
• The science of decision-making has evolved over the years.
• Her careful Decision-Making ensured success in the business.
• The decision-making of the committee was thorough.
• Decision-Making in the 19th century often involved more patience.
• His decision-making process was deeply influenced by tradition.
• The art of Decision-Making requires wisdom and foresight.
• They studied ancient texts on Decision-Making.
• Her approach to decision-making was methodical.
• In the past, Decision-Making was often a slow and deliberate affair.
• The decision-making of old was grounded in principles that seem timeless today.

Modern style  

Capitalize all major words except for articles and short prepositions.Example: “Decision-making” (with “decision” capitalized but not “making”).

• The Art of Decision-Making Is Essential in Business.
• Effective Decision-Making Leads to Better Outcomes.
• Decision-Making in Leadership Requires Careful Thought.
• The Science of Decision-Making Has Advanced Significantly.
• Her Decision-Making Process Was Flawless.
• The Role of Decision-Making in Success Cannot Be Overstated.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure Can Be Challenging.
• How Decision-Making Affects Company Culture Is Fascinating.
• Decision-Making for Leaders Requires Both Logic and Emotion.
• The Power of Decision-Making Is Often Underestimated.
• Good Decision-Making Requires Patience and Insight.
• Decision-Making During a Crisis Is an Important Skill.
• Decision-Making in Teams Can Lead to Better Results.
• The Impact of Decision-Making on Society Is Profound.
• Decision-Making at a Young Age Shapes Future Success.

All words capitalized  

In this growing trend, every word, including articles and short prepositions, is capitalized.Example: “Decision-Making” (with both words capitalized).

• The Art Of Decision-Making Is Essential In Business.
• Effective Decision-Making Leads To Better Outcomes.
• Decision-Making In Leadership Requires Careful Thought.
• The Science Of Decision-Making Has Advanced Significantly.
• Her Decision-Making Process Was Flawless.
• The Role Of Decision-Making In Success Cannot Be Overstated.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure Can Be Challenging.
• How Decision-Making Affects Company Culture Is Fascinating.
• Decision-Making For Leaders Requires Both Logic And Emotion.
• The Power Of Decision-Making Is Often Underestimated.
• Good Decision-Making Requires Patience And Insight.
• Decision-Making During A Crisis Is An Important Skill.
• Decision-Making In Teams Can Lead To Better Results.
• The Impact Of Decision-Making On Society Is Profound.
• Decision-Making At A Young Age Shapes Future Success.

Examples of When to Use “Decision Making”

When using the phrase as a noun, you generally leave it unhyphenated. One trick to figuring out when it’s a noun is to see if it comes at the end of a clause or sentence, where it functions on its own without modifying anything.

• We helped them with their decision making.
• Everyone had a role in the decision making.
• I spend more time on decision making than anything else.
• Would you assist me with the decision making?

In these examples, “decision making” is a noun, and nothing follows it that needs modification, so no hyphen is needed.

Examples of When to Use “Decision-Making”

When the phrase is used to describe or modify a noun, you should hyphenate it to make it clear that the two words function together as an adjective.

• We helped with the decision-making process.
• The decision-making group is still meeting.
• I’m in more of a decision-making role.
• I’m not great at the decision-making part.

In these examples, “decision-making” modifies the nouns that follow, so the hyphen is necessary.

Alternatives to “Decision Making”

If you’re unsure about the hyphenation rule or want to avoid it altogether, there are several alternative words and phrases you can use in place of decision making:

• Analyzing
• Administrative
• Supervisory
• Policymaking
• Managerial

Each of these alternatives can convey a similar meaning, depending on the context.

Quiz – Decision Making or Decision-Making?

To test what we’ve covered, let’s take a quick quiz. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the phrase.

• We weren’t there for the (A. decision making / B. decision-making) process.
• Why do we always miss the (A. decision making / B. decision-making)?
• Where is the (A. decision making / B. decision-making) group going to be?
• Everyone took part in the (A. decision making / B. decision-making) for this product.
• I’m no good at (A. decision making / B. decision-making).

Quiz Answers:

• B – decision-making
• A – decision making
• B – decision-making
• A – decision making
• A – decision making

FAQs

What is the difference between “decision making” and “decision-making”?

The difference lies in how the phrase is used. “Decision making” is a noun and refers to the act or process of making decisions. “Decision-making” with a hyphen is used as an adjective to describe something, like a process or a role. For example, you’d say “The decision-making process was complex,” but “I took part in the decision making.”

When should I use a hyphen in “decision-making”?

You should use a hyphen when “decision-making” functions as an adjective. It’s needed to show that the two words work together to describe something, like in “decision-making strategy” or “decision-making skills.” The hyphen helps clarify that these two words are modifying the noun that follows.

Is “decision making” ever used without a hyphen?

Yes, when “decision making” is used as a noun on its own, no hyphen is required. For example, in “Our decision making improved over time,” it’s a noun referring to the act of making decisions, so no hyphen is needed. This is a common way to see the phrase in many contexts.

Does AP Style always hyphenate “decision-making”?

Yes, in AP Style, you should always use the hyphen when “decision-making” is used as an adjective. If it’s part of a phrase describing something, like “decision-making process,” the hyphen is necessary. However, if you’re using “decision making” as a standalone noun, as in “Our decision making was effective,” no hyphen is used.

How do I know when to hyphenate “decision-making”?

To know when to use a hyphen, check if “decision-making” is being used to describe something else. If it modifies a noun, like “decision-making authority” or “decision-making role,” you need the hyphen. If it stands alone as a noun, such as “We discussed their decision making,” no hyphen is needed. The context will guide you on whether to hyphenate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding when to use a hyphen in “decision-making” is all about context. If it’s used as an adjective to describe something, like in “decision-making process,” always use the hyphen. However, when it stands alone as a noun, as in “decision making is important,” no hyphen is needed. By keeping these simple rules in mind, you’ll master the hyphenation of “decision-making” with ease!