Zone 1 Decision

A decision within an individual’s documented authority to make and execute without notification or consultation. Zone 1 decisions are explicitly listed per role in the decision rights framework. 

The absence of an explicit Zone 1 definition is operationally equivalent to having no Zone 1 at all because employees default to escalating uncertain decisions rather than risk exceeding implied authority, producing unnecessary delays and managerial bottlenecks.

The Zone 1 list should be specific enough that an employee facing a new situation can determine with confidence whether it qualifies.