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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Stock and Flow Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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 Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 45-90 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-8 | 1-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses |
Tags1 shared | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking |
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