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| Criterion |  Decision Making Cynefin Workshop |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Decision Making Decision Matrix |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. | 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. | When several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic. | 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 | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 60-180 min | 1-2 h | 45-90 min | 0.5-3 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 4-20 | 3-12 | 2-8 | 5-15 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Decision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda |
Tagsno overlap | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking |