BSBCRT411

APPLY CRITICAL
THINKING TO
WORK PRACTICES
 Course details
 SBTA term reference:
BC4-20_4.1_Critical Thinking
 Unit of competency:
BSBCRT411 - Apply critical thinking to work practices
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use advanced-level critical
thinking skills in a workplace context. This includes using methods of analysis, synthesis
and evaluation. The unit applies to individuals who evaluate existing or proposed work
practices. These individuals are typically responsible for reviewing or developing work
processes, products or services that may be proposed or already existing.

 Assessment requirements:
Performance Evidence:
You MUST demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements,
performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to
develop solutions for TWO (2) different workplace limitations using critical thinking
concepts and complete all relevant practical tasks and activities in the assessment pack.

Knowledge Evidence: You MUST demonstrate understanding of this unit elements,

performance criteria and foundation skills and complete assessment task 1.
Housekeeping
 Emergency procedures
 Ground rules
 Mobiles and security issues
 Break times and smoking policy
 This course is interactive – ask questions
 Practise respect and confidentiality
 Printing facilities for students
 Assessment process e.g. assessment timetable, upload processes, assessor
contact details, assessment tasks, submission and due dates.
 If you are connecting to any of your study activities using MS TEAMS -
please communicate with the Academy if you are unsure of the submission
process and how to complete your practical activities (such as
communication activities including: use of SBTA emails, TEAMS meetings or
individual or group role-plays, etc…)
 SBTA and SELA remain open and any students who wish to come in and
use WIFI, computers or need assistance are welcome. Please come to the
reception on level 2 and ask our reception.
Establish role of critical
thinking in workplace

1.1 Identify key

characteristics of
critical thinking
processes
What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the

process of carefully thinking
about a subject or an issue
without being influenced by
emotion or opinion. Often
critical thinking plays a
huge part in problem-
solving and can be a very
attractive quality from an
employability perspective.
Key characteristics

➢ Observation
➢ Inquisitiveness
➢ Introspection
➢ Analytical thinking

 Inference
 Empathy and Humility
 Creativity.
Context in critical thinking

Many factors will influence the context of a situation and a good

critical thinker will be able to take the information given and form
an accurate opinion of how to resolve the situation. This can be
concluded by analysing the context alongside the content of an
issue or situation.
Recap & Q&A
Establish role of critical
thinking in workplace

1.2 Evaluate
situations in which
critical thinking
concepts are applied
in work practices
Identifying situations

Before you can apply critical thinking to a situation appropriately,

you must be able to identify the issue and analytically break it
down into stages.
Exploring situations

There are a wide variety of situations in which critical thinking

concepts may be applied in the workplace. If you are able to
adopt the practice of critical thinking, then you can avoid making
hasty decisions that can lead to mistakes at work. It will involve
the objective consideration of all relevant information for the
purpose of making the best possible decision.
Recap & Q&A
Establish role of critical
thinking in workplace

1.3 Articulate
benefits of applying
critical thinking
practices in the
workplace
How does critical thinking
benefit the workplace?
When people adopt critical thinking concepts and engage in
constructive behaviours, they generate more ideas, make fewer
mistakes, and come to sound decisions. However, when action is
taken in association with poorly considered beliefs, they will argue
against ideas without due consideration, or take action based on
assumptions or bias.
Improved skillset

 Encouraged curiosity
 Enhanced creativity
 Greater independence
 Reinforced problem solving abilities
 A multi-faceted practice
 Life skill.
Recap & Q&A
Lead critical thinking processes

2.1 Analyse existing

and proposed work
practices and identify
limitations
Work processes

Workplace processes are systems which may have a range of

inputs from multiple aspects making up a business. These inputs;
finance, employees, marketing etc, are typically transformed into
outputs such as products, services, and behaviours.
Types of work processes
➢ Operational processes – these relate to the primary
business and the primary value stream (may involve taking
customer orders, opening accounts, and manufacturing
components)
➢ Management processes – these processes relate to
overseeing aspects of business operation such as
corporate governance and budgetary/employee oversight
➢ Supporting processes – these support the primary
operational processes and may include accounting,
recruitment, and technical support.
Addressing limitations

➢ Are there other perspectives that I can view this from?

➢ What are these other viewpoints?
➢ How can I use these perspectives to resolve this
challenge?
➢ Do I understand the cause and effect of decisions
made, or actions taken?
Recap & Q&A
Lead critical thinking processes

2.2 Locate
information on
selected work
practices for the
development of
solutions
Sourcing information
Within your role, you should apply the process of critical
thinking to the selection of credible and verifiable sources. You
should also account for the nature of the claim and whether
credible reasons are provided in support.
Critical thinking typically involves seeking out the most relevant
evidence to support personal arguments and checking the
evidence provided by others.
 Sourcing information
Information provided within sources will ideally be:
➢ Authentic- you should be sure that any evidence
presented is legitimate
➢ Valid – the validity of evidence relates to the satisfaction
of requirements and conventions for the circumstances.
Sourcing information

➢ Current – information that is

considered current will have relevancy
at the present time. This may be
because it was recently published or
updated
➢ Reliable – the source of evidence may
be considered reliable if it is written
by trustworthy experts without any
vested interests in the outcome.
Recap & Q&A
Lead critical thinking processes

2.3 Determine
solutions for
workplace limitations
using critical thinking
concepts
Finding solutions through critical
thinking
There are a variety of critical thinking techniques that can be used
for the purpose of addressing limitations associated with
workplace processes, products, and services. It will be important
for you to have an open mind and consider the merits of various
solutions to such limitations.
Finding solutions through
critical thinking
➢ Are there other perspectives that I can view this from?
➢ What are these other viewpoints?
➢ How can I use these perspectives to resolve this
challenge?
➢ Do I understand the cause and effect of decisions made,
or actions taken?
Recap & Q&A
Lead critical thinking processes

2.4 Develop a proposal

for solutions using a
decision-making
framework according to
organisational policies
and procedures
Applying a decision-making
framework
A decision making framework will act as a general format which
can be used to reach defensible conclusions in a variety of
workplace contexts. Different criteria or components will be
applied to ensure that well informed and calculated decisions are
made to be in line with organisational policy and procedures.
 Applying a decision making
framework

A good decision must:

➢ Be based on all of the available information
➢ Be realistic
➢ Allow for all associated objectives to be met
➢ Ensure that objectives are met in an efficient manner
➢ Have the acceptance of all affiliated parties.
Applying a decision making
framework
You should follow this process in relation to the
communication of decisions:
Recap & Q&A
Lead critical thinking processes

2.5 Present ideas for

solutions and justify
decision making
process to relevant
stakeholders
Justifying the decision making
process

It is expected that you will provide sound justification for any decisions that are made
to ensure support and commitment. Such justification should involve reference to
acknowledged facts. It will be particularly important when decisions have not been
made in accordance with organisational policies and/or guidelines.
 Justifying the decision making process

The following information should be included in a

statement of reasons:
 Decision
➢ Date of decision
➢ The decision maker
➢ Relevant legislation
➢ Key steps taken in making the decision
➢ Details of evidence considered
➢ Details of rights of appeal or review.
 Articulating the decision
making process

You should ensure that the decision-making process is clearly articulated to all staff
members and they have a good understanding of the decisions that are made. This
will maximise the prospect of commitment to such decisions and support for their
implementation.
You will have to evidence that you have dismissed assumptions and considered
multiple perspectives.
Recap & Q&A
Develop critical thinking mindset

3.1 Review decision

making practices in
the work area
Reviewing the effectiveness of
decision making
If you have followed a methodical decision-making process, then
the chances of making successful decisions will be increased.
However, there will always be some risk of negative repercussions
associated with any decision that is taken. It will be necessary to
carry out a follow-up review to establish the effectiveness of such
decisions.
Steps for the review process
Recap & Q&A
Develop critical thinking mindset

3.2 Seek feedback from

relevant stakeholders on
use of critical thinking
from relevant
stakeholders
Seeking feedback from relevant
personnel
It is expected that you will seek feedback from organisational
management regarding your role in the decision-making process.
Management should have time to consider your request and
prepare for a meeting during which the feedback can be provided.
 Seeking feedback from relevant
personnel

The following types of questions could be asked:

➢ What improvements do you think could be made to the decision making process?
➢ How would you approach the decision-making process if you were in my position?
➢ Why do you think that my decision wasn’t as effective as expected?
 What is your opinion on how I handled this particular issue.
 Seeking feedback from
relevant personnel

You may be asked:

➢ How you arrived at particular decisions
➢ To justify decisions that weren’t based on evidence
➢ For examples of supporting information
➢ In which ways particular decisions addressed set
objectives.
Recap & Q&A
Develop critical thinking mindset

3.3 Identify areas for

self-development in
relation to own job
role
 Identifying areas for self-
development

The process of identifying areas for self-development should begin with the
establishment of your personal goals. You can then develop a personal vision and
identify areas which will need to be addressed for the improvement of your skills and
capabilities.
Supervisions and appraisals

There should be an opportunity for supervisions and appraisals

with line managers or supervisors which may enable you to
identify areas for self-development. This assigns you time to apply
critical thinking to your performance and the opportunity
Areas for self development
➢ Improvement of self-awareness
➢ Improvement of self-knowledge
➢ Improvement and development of skills
➢ Improvement of personal communication and
relationships
➢ Development of personal identity/self-esteem
➢ Development of strengths or talents
➢ Improvement of organisation and time-management
skills.
Recap & Q&A
Develop critical thinking mindset

3.4 Develop plan for

future process
evaluations and
incorporate
improvements
identified
Developing a plan for process
evaluations
Process evaluations may focus on the following aspects:
➢ Who was affected by the business decision?
➢ What have been the effects of the decision?
➢ When was the decision taken and implemented?
➢ What barriers were encountered and to what extent were
they overcome?
Process evaluations

Process evaluations must consider these aspects so that the

solution is beneficial for those affected and can be implemented
realistically. The positives can go towards future planned
processes for overcoming similar situations.
Recap & Q&A
Assessments
 Skills
 Knowledge
 Performance
 What needs completing
 Templates and resources
 Role-plays and presentations
 Tasks and finalising work
 Trainer and assessor contact details
 [email protected]
Your assessor will provide you with further
guidance on how and where to complete these
assessments.
Summary

 Did we meet our objectives?

 How did you find this session?
 Any questions?