Definition
A versioned record of the rules, inputs, thresholds, and authority behind an operational decision. It names an owner and states whether the decision can be challenged or reversed, and on what clock. A decision that affects someone's access, status, or rights must be backed by an active decision object.
For example, the decision object for an eligibility rule might name Risk Operations as owner and cite the policy section that delegates the decision. It lists two inputs, verified income and months employed, and three possible outputs: approved, denied, or pending review. It allows reversal by human override under a reversal deadline, and appeal under a binding clock.
The object turns “the system decided” into “this record decided, and this role owns it.” Once it exists, there is something to challenge and someone who has to answer.