Final answer:
The initial step in the decision-making process is to d)define the task and goal, setting a clear understanding to guide the rest of the decision-making stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in the decision-making process is to Define task and goal. This involves identifying the 'given' information and what the problem is asking you to 'find'. Before you can collect relevant information, analyze and assess the decision, or select a course of action, you must clearly understand the task at hand and what you aim to achieve by making the decision. A solid understanding of the goal helps in aligning the subsequent steps effectively toward achieving the desired outcome.