Do we know what common sense is and, can we improve it if we don't?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the meaning, significance, and development, of common sense and to suggest an approach for enhancing it.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and critical analysis of the way greater skill in decision‐making leads to “better” common sense.

Findings

In light of the very limited coverage of common sense development in the literature, this paper may make a contribution to the awareness of the dimensions of common sense and to approaches that can help individuals develop what might be more appropriate decisions based on common sense – decisions that consider more of the relevant issues.

Practical implications

Individuals – managers and leaders in all work and home activities – can enhance their common sense, and with it their decisions, by developing the habit of following the guidelines suggested by the paper, or equally appropriate ones.

Originality/value

There does not appear to be anything as practically applicable to common sense development as the suggested approach

Citation

Rausch, E. (2009), "Do we know what common sense is and, can we improve it if we don't?", Management Decision, Vol. 47 No. 3, pp. 413-426. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740910946688