Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You stick to your principles and refuse to change the report.
You tell the developers and your boss that Burns Bog is so ecologically and environmentally sensitive that runoff or any disturbance from the construction project could have dire consequences. The results could be catastrophic for the vegetation that depends on the bog's nutrients for its survival.
Your boss warns that if you do not obey, he will fire you. You tell him that it is up to him.
Before leaving his office, you warn your boss and the developers that you will be watching the Burns Bog project very closely. If anybody tries to alter your report or create a fraudulent one, you will take them to court or reveal the truth to the media. Unless they want their reputations ruined, they better leave this fragile ecosystem alone.
"If your client is going to alter your report, the only recourse you have is to take them to court or publish a version that is going to be true," says North. "Tell the public how the report was submitted to the client and how the client has altered what it said. This tactic is very effective because if you are a business, you will have to keep your reputation clean."
After days of public consultations, the government agrees with your thinking. The idea is scrapped after residents and councilors in the region reject the proposal to turn the environmentally sensitive bog into a commercial development. You have probably lost your job, but at least you saved the bog and your integrity.
Biogeographers must have good decision-making skills. "I mean, you are always making decisions," says Michael Pidwirny. He is the chair of a geography department. "You are making decisions to study something a certain way, or to use some sort of statistical test."
Biogeographers also have a great deal of say in land planning decisions if they work in consulting or in government, for instance. "Their decisions are going to be important," says Pidwirny.