Avoiding tragedy in decision-making
Not so long ago a similar problem resulted in a real tragedy. Scientists with a knowledge of issues related to space flight knew it was still not completely safe. They knew the space shuttle was not yet prepared. However, the decision was made at a higher level, where the knowledge of safety issues was rather weak. Disaster followed, as we all know.
The author of an article on the management-issues.com website wonders why, in fact, he is making decisions at all when there is someone above him. Someone with greater authority will eventually take over and make their own decisions instead, thus effectively superseding or changing the original decision. So why should we even bother trying to make our best decisions only for them subsequently to be altered? This feeling is common in many organisations with several levels of power.
Lack of information
Grant responsibility with care. Keep in mind that employees at the bottom often know the game very well. Their proposals and theories may be highly valid. If you let the decision-making elevate through the organisational chart, decisions will be made by people who may lack precise information. Your colleagues at the very top, who hold the most decision-making power, will often have only fragments of information.
-jk-