Canonical Definition

Decision Control defines the structure by which decisions are
classified, limited, and governed according to predefined authority
levels, thresholds, and conditions.

A system is not controlled if decisions are made without defined limits
and structure.

Purpose

This module ensures that:

• decisions are made within defined boundaries
• authority operates within controlled limits
• critical decisions are escalated correctly

Core Principle

Uncontrolled decisions create uncontrolled systems.

Minimum Implementation Framework (MIF)

The system MUST define:

1. Decision Levels
At minimum:

• Operational (routine decisions)
• Critical (high-impact decisions)
• Crisis (system-level decisions)

2. Authority Scope
Each level MUST define:

• who can decide
• what can be decided
• under what conditions

3. Decision Limits
The system MUST define:

• thresholds (financial, operational, risk)
• maximum allowed impact per level
• conditions requiring escalation

4. Approval Conditions
The system MUST define:

• when additional approval is required
• multi-actor decision conditions (if applicable)

Mandatory Conditions

• all decisions MUST fall within defined levels
• decisions MUST not exceed defined limits
• escalation MUST be triggered when thresholds are exceeded

Prohibited Conditions

• decisions outside defined levels
• undefined authority scope
• decisions exceeding limits without escalation
• uncontrolled high-impact decisions

Output

The system produces:

Structured Decision Flow
Controlled Decision Boundaries

System Condition

• Valid → all decisions operate within defined structure
  
• Invalid → any decision outside control framework
  

Use Case 1 — Financial Approval

Without module:

• spending decisions exceed limits
• no escalation

With module:

• thresholds defined
• escalation triggered

Result:

• controlled financial risk

Use Case 2 — AI Decision Execution

Without module:

• AI executes high-impact decisions without limits

With module:

• decision thresholds enforced
• escalation triggered

Result:

• controlled AI behavior

Closing Insight

If decisions have no limits, the system has no control.

→ CGRM Standard

→ CGRM Modules Overview