A review of the intuition literature relative to a recent quantitative study of the determinants of farmers' intuition

Through a review of the literature covering the use of intuition for decision making, this article isolates the important intuition determining variables and relates them to recent quantitative intuition research. As most farm decisions are made through intuition farmers, consultants, researchers and students of farm management will find the review valuable when thinking about managerial ability. The literature reviewed is taken from both urban and rural business studies as urban based studies dominate. The search covered all journals and articles in recent decades. The summary, and the quoted quantitative research, consider the variables which can be targeted in improving intuitive skill and provides a basis for thinking about intuition and its improvement within the farming world. It is concluded the most important skill to concentrate on is improving a farmer’s self-criticism through using a decision diary in conjunction with reflection and consultation leading to improved decision understanding. But many other variables are also important and contribute.