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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Decision Rights Mapping |  Operations Accountability Ladder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | In organizations with many stakeholders, it often blurs who actually decides and who is merely consulted. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Decision Rights matrix and an agreement. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 15-45 min | 90-180 min | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1-3 | 4-12 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Decision Rights Matrix, Agreement | Ownership Reflection, Action Commitment, Coaching Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility | ResponsibilityLeadershipTeam |