Which of the following best explains the behavior of actors who prioritize sufficient outcomes over the best possible ones?

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Prepare for the UCF INR2002 International Relations exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Get ready to excel!

The behavior of actors who prioritize sufficient outcomes over the best possible ones is best described by the concept of satisficing. This term is derived from a combination of “satisfy” and “suffice,” and it refers to the strategy of aiming for a solution that meets a certain threshold of acceptability rather than pursuing the optimal or maximum outcome.

In the context of decision-making, individuals or groups may not have the time, resources, or complete information necessary to analyze all possibilities and define the best possible option. Instead, they look for a solution that is good enough to meet their needs. This approach recognizes the limitations of human rationality and seeks to achieve results that are satisfactory rather than perfect, allowing actors to make timely decisions without the paralysis that can come from seeking an unattainable ideal.

The other concepts, while they relate to decision-making processes in various ways, do not encapsulate the essence of aiming for satisfactory outcomes. Maximizing implies focusing exclusively on achieving the most favorable result, deliberating suggests a thorough consideration of options before making a decision, and prioritizing generally refers to setting preferences among various options without the specific nuance of settling for sufficiency. Thus, satisficing captures the essence of making do with outcomes that meet