A second characteristic common to the two decision procedures is that some form of means-ends analysis is conducted to link specific actions with the ultimate objectives of the organization. The means-ends chain has both factual and value elements. The factual element is the relationship between alternatives and their consequences. Since lower-level objectives in the means-ends chain are both the ends of lower-level means to achieve higher-level objectives, a factual element exists at all levels except the highest of the means-ends chain. The value element of the means-ends chains is the selection of the ultimate objective or objectives of the organization. Since the ultimate objective of the organization is, by definition, not a means to a higher end there is no factual element involved in its selection.