Value-oriented cognitive readiness as a socio-psychological factor of managerial decision-making under institutional uncertainty

Abstract

The article develops the concept of value-oriented cognitive readiness as an integral socio-psychological factor of managerial decision-making under institutional uncertainty. Using an integrative theoretical review and conceptual synthesis of classical and recent research on managerial decision-making, cognitive flexibility, affect–cognition interaction, responsible and ethical leadership, psychological safety, and uncertainty communication, the study distinguishes institutional uncertainty from ordinary informational uncertainty and specifies the structure of the proposed construct. The theoretical analysis identifies six interdependent components of value-oriented cognitive readiness: cognitive, reflective, emotional-regulatory, motivational, ethical-value, and communicative. It further specifies seven socio-psychological mechanisms through which this readiness may support decision quality, legitimacy, and sustainability: reflective control, value consistency, social perspective-taking, responsibility internalization, communicative trust, professional identity, and regulation of cognitive bias. These elements are integrated into a four-stage model comprising diagnostic orientation, value-based evaluation, responsible choice, and socio-psychological implementation with recursive feedback. Unlike approaches that examine cognitive bias, leadership ethics, or organizational climate in isolation, the proposed framework explains how cognitive, value-based, emotional, reflective, and communicative resources are coordinated within the decision-maker’s internal preparedness. The article is theoretical rather than empirical; its results are conceptual propositions that require subsequent operationalization and empirical verification. Practical recommendations are proposed for developing decision-making competence among mid-level and senior managers in educational, administrative, and other institutional settings.