We discuss the role of multiattribute modeling, or problem structuring, in the context of multicriteria decision making. Within this context, criteria for evaluating or comparing alternative decision options are represented in terms of operationally defined attributes describing the alternatives, on the basis of which specific objectives or goals may be defined. Attention is given to the process of eliciting the criteria relevant to a particular decision context by interaction with decision makers and/or other stakeholders, after which we turn to the practicalities of constructing an operationally meaningful set of attributes. A number of guidelines are presented for purposes of selecting a final set of attributes to be used in decision analysis, often structured into a hierarchical value tree. Finally, we discuss the manner in which conflicting views of different stakeholder groups need to be taken into consideration.