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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Rich Picture | ![]() Operations Accountability Ladder | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | A Rich Picture brings an unclear situation onto a shared drawing. It captures actors, tensions, information flows, and blind spots before the team jumps to solutions too early. | 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. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 30-90 min | 20-45 min | 0.5-3 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 2-10 | 1-8 | 5-15 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | Ownership Reflection, Action Commitment, Coaching Notes | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | ResponsibilityLeadershipTeam | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking |



