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| Criterion |  Operations Accountability Ladder |  Systems Thinking Stock and Flow Diagram |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | With defensive reactions to problems, the method shifts the view from justification to ownership. It makes visible which reaction stage a person or team is currently stuck on. | A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics. | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. | Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 20-45 min | 2-6 h | 1-3 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 1-6 | 2-8 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Ownership Reflection, Action Commitment, Coaching Notes | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ResponsibilityLeadershipTeam | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership |