Integrative thinking
Integrative thinking is a "decision-making approach where opposing ideas or perspectives are not seen as mutually exclusive, but rather as opportunities to create a superior, novel solution that incorporates elements from both. It's about moving beyond "either/or" choices and finding a way to synthesize conflicting viewpoints into a more comprehensive and innovative outcome."[2]
"Integrative thinking, popularized by Roger Martin, is a method for creatively resolving tensions between opposing ideas to generate a superior new model. It involves understanding the core elements of each model and synthesizing them into something new and better, rather than choosing one over the other. This approach is valuable for complex problem-solving and innovation, encouraging open-mindedness and collaboration.[3]
Integrative thinking and opposite ideas
See also: Interdisciplinary thinking and Creativity
In some cases, integrative thinking "involves synthesizing opposing ideas to generate innovative solutions. It moves beyond choosing between two conflicting options, instead seeking a creative resolution that incorporates the best of both. Key concepts include holism, contextual understanding, interdisciplinary thinking, and creativity."[4][5]
Integrative thinking and Graham Douglas
Graham Douglas was the originator of the integrative thinking concept.
- Innovative training in thinking by Graham Douglas (Discusses integrative thinking)
Books
- The Opposable Mind: How Successful Leaders Win Through Integrative Thinking by Roger L. Martin. Harvard Business Review Press. October 29, 2007
- Creating Great Choices: A Leader's Guide to Integrative Thinking by Jennifer Riel and Roger L. Martin. Harvard Business Review Press. September 19, 2017
- Integrative thinking A Complete Guide by Gerardus Blokdyk. 5STARCooks. June 6, 2022
See also
- Problem solving
- Rational thinking
- Integrated apologetics (A type of Christian apologetics)
- Integrative medicine
External links
- Integrative thinking, Chartered Governance, Hong Kong
- The 4 Steps of Integrative Thinking
- Integrative thinking, EBSCO
- Integrative thinking, FourWeekMBA.com
- The Art of Integrative Thinking, University of Toronto
- Rethinking the Rulebook with Integrative Thinking, Lexington Consulting
- Integrative Thinking: A Path to Instrumented Business Agility, BPM Institute
- Integrative Thinking: The Ecological Process of Complex Decision-making
- What is integrative thinking, and how can it help with collaboration?
- Integrative thinking: Step away from the vantage point, Korn Ferry
- The 4 Steps of Integrative Thinking
- Integrative Thinking Problem Solving Process
- Defining Integrative Thinking
Videos:
- Integrative thinking - Video playlist, Video playlist