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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Facilitation Decision Jam | ![]() Facilitation Consensus Workshop | ![]() Decision Making Argument Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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 a decision is stuck, Decision Jam loosens the knot through structured separation of problem, idea, and selection. The format creates movement without jumping prematurely at the first seemingly elegant answer. | When a group needs a solid decision without outvoting individual factions, a Consensus Workshop creates a negotiable common ground. It makes agreement, reservations, and open tensions discussable at the same time. | 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 | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 60-90 min | 1-3 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 4-10 | 5-30 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Problem Cluster, Prioritized Challenge, Experiment | Consensus Clusters, Theme Titles, Priority Areas | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | FacilitationDecisionProblem solvingWorkshop | FacilitationConsensusWorkshopAlignment | SensemakingDecisionRationale |



