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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Facilitation Stakeholder Mapping |  Facilitation 3-Circle Venn Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 an initiative depends on many people, interests, and power dynamics, Stakeholder Mapping systematically orders the environment. It shows who influences, who is affected, and where relationship management or safeguarding matters first. | When three perspectives matter at the same time, a Three-Circle Venn Diagram shows the overlaps and remainders precisely. It makes visible where shared effect arises and where only a partial perspective applies. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 60–90 min | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-12 | 2-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Stakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk Notes | Venn Diagram, Overlap Notes, Differentiators |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange | ComparisonFacilitationAlignment |