Numerous attempts have been made to improve the effectiveness of decision-making in organizational settings. Some of the historical and contemporary organizational trends regarding these efforts, both in business and in school settings, are presented in this paper. The focus is on the related expectations and outcomes that are evident in diverse organizational settings. Some of the past trends include management by objectives; job satisfaction; factors in effective organizations, such as job enrichment; and productivity that is linked to human relations. Some of the current trends in decision-making entail the notion of "a community of leaders," increased empowerment for employees, a heightened sense of ownership that engages employees in decisions, the role of school leadership in decision-making, the use of cognitive-coaching and clinical-supervision models, effective communication that increases worker empowerment, parental and business involvement, and site-based management, which is now considered the key in enhancing the ownership and the responsibility of all stakeholders. (Contains approximately 150 references.) (RJM)