What does decision making involve?

Decision making fundamentally involves the process of choosing the best option from available alternatives. This is the primary goal of decision making, as it focuses on evaluating different choices to arrive at the most effective or beneficial one based on the context or criteria set by the group or individual involved.

Setting goals and objectives, while closely related to decision making, falls more under the planning phase. It establishes the framework within which decisions are made but does not encapsulate the entirety of what decision making involves. Identifying potential risks and benefits is also a critical part of analyzing choices, but it is more about the assessment process that informs the decision rather than the act of making the decision itself.

Thus, while all components mentioned are important in the broader context of group dynamics and effective communication, the core aspect of decision making is captured best by the selection of the best option among alternatives.