Fact-based decision-making is a central quality management principle because it encourages organizations to rely on evidence, measurement, and analysis rather than assumptions or intuition alone. Decisions foster trust in plans when stakeholders can see that choices are grounded in objective information and sound reasoning. This strengthens accountability and confidence in management actions. Fact-based decisions also help reduce external bias because they rely on verified information rather than opinions, pressure, or unsupported judgment. In contrast, decisions based only on the instincts of experienced leaders do not reflect the core meaning of fact-based management, even though experience may still be valuable. The statement about supplier relationships is not a defining description of fact-based decision-making and does not capture the principle itself. Quality management emphasizes using reliable data to guide planning, improve processes, and support consistent outcomes. Therefore, the two correct answers are that such decisions foster trust in plans and reduce external bias.