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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram | ![]() Systems Thinking Leverage Points | ![]() Facilitation Stakeholder Mapping | ![]() Facilitation Alignment Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | Leverage Points show exactly where interventions in a system produce a disproportionate effect. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a leverage map and action strategy. | When an initiative depends on many people, interests, and power dynamics, Stakeholder Mapping systematically orders the environment. It shows who influences, who is affected, and where relationship management or safeguarding matters first. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | Half day | 60–90 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-12 | 2-8 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Leverage Map, Action Strategy | Stakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk Notes | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions |
Tagsno overlap | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | Systems thinkingChangeStrategy | StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation |



