Gain thinking skills to navigate real-world complexities

Login

What is Interpretivism ?

Interpretivism focuses on subjective experiences and interpreting the meaning from non-measurable aspects of the social world, such as meaning, social action, perspectives, social norms, and discourse. It recognizes that people’s actions and behaviours are influenced by their unique perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and social contexts.
Interpretivism emphasizes the role of language, symbols, and social interactions in shaping our understanding of the world. It values qualitative research methods, such as interviews, observations, and textual analysis, to gain insights into the complexities of human experiences and meanings.

Additional Glossary Terms

Function

A function refers to the distinct purpose, role, or action that a component or subsystem carries out within a larger system. It is how a part contributes to the overall

Messes

The term “mess,” coined by Russell Ackoff, refers to a complex system of interconnected problems that cannot be addressed in isolation. It emphasizes that attempting to solve individual problems within

Interactive Planning (IP)

Interactive Planning, developed by Russell L. Ackoff, is a strategic approach used to manage complexity in organizations. It leverages the collective knowledge and creativity of all members to construct a

Complexity

Complexity refers to the condition of systems, objects, phenomena, or concepts that are challenging to understand, explain, or manage due to their intricate and interconnected nature. It involves multiple elements

Feedback

Feedback involves the return of part of the system’s output as input, creating a loop of information or action that can influence the system’s behaviour. Feedback can be either positive

Butterfly Effect

The butterfly effect is a metaphor for the unpredictability of complex systems. It suggests that small changes in initial conditions can lead to drastically different outcomes. Edward Lorenz, in his