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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Decision Making Delphi Method |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 knowledge is distributed and direct dominance should be avoided, groups quickly fall under the sway of their opinion leaders. The Delphi Method gathers assessments iteratively and gradually brings expert judgments closer together. | 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 statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 1-4 Wochen | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 6-30 Experten | 5-15 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Expert Forecast, Consensus Range, Assumption Notes | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ForecastingExpertsDecisionStrategy | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | SensemakingDecisionRationale |