The aim of this article is to examine the empirical literature on irrationality and identify a set of concepts to help administrators cope with irrationality in decision making.
This analysis is a synthesis of the selected research literature on irrationality.
A set of seven concepts and propositions was indentified that are critical in understanding the influence on irrationality on decision making.
The propositions proposed are ways to deal constructively with irrational behavior in decision making, but it is only a beginning.
The concepts, propositions, and their application to practice are not well‐known in educational administration and are useful tools for educational leaders.
The paper discusses the power of seven concepts: perception; simplification; decisiveness; deadlines; norms; ownership; and emotional expectation.
