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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Systems Thinking Systems Mapping | ![]() Decision Making Argument Mapping | ![]() Decision Making Force Field Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. | 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. | In change initiatives, supporting and restraining forces sit at the table at the same time. Force Field Analysis makes these tensions explicit and shows where change can be pushed forward by strengthening or relieving. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 1-3 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-12 | 1-8 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale | Force Field Map, Change Levers, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | SensemakingDecisionRationale | ChangeDecisionStrategy |



