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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Anonymous individual judgments pass through feedback loops to form a distribution.
Decision Making
Delphi Method
Paper illustration of VUCA Scan with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
VUCA Scan
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
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.The VUCA Scan helps read difficult situations more precisely. Instead of treating unclarity as generally complicated, the method separates fast change, missing knowledge, systemic entanglement, and ambiguous interpretation.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
MediumHighLowHigh
Timedifferent
1-2 h1-4 Wochen30-90 min0.5-3 Tage
Participantsdifferent
3-126-30 Experten1-105-15
Formatdifferent
WorkshopAsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsExpert Forecast, Consensus Range, Assumption NotesVUCA Map, Response Options, Signal and Learning PlanRich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
ForecastingExpertsDecisionStrategy
SensemakingUncertaintyComplexityStrategyForesight
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
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