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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Facilitation Power Interest Grid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | 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. | When many stakeholders compete for attention at once, the Power Interest Grid sorts them by influence and stake. It turns individual contributions into a visible selection. The result is captured as a Power Interest Grid and a stakeholder-specific strategy. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 1-2 h | 0.5-3 Tage | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 4-12 | 5-15 | 2-8 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Power Interest Grid, Strategy per Stakeholder |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | StakeholdersFacilitationAlignmentPlanning |