TRENDS, NETWORKS,

AND CRITICAL THINKING

IN THE 21 CENTURY
ST
OBJECTIVES:

• After going through this module, you should be able to:

1. Explain strategic analysis and intuitive thinking (HUMSS_MCT12-Ic-e2);

• a. Define strategic analysis and intuitive thinking(HUMSS_MCT12-Ic-e-1);
• b. Differentiate key components in strategic analysis and intuitive thinking (HUMSS_MCT12-
Ic-e-5);

2. Apply strategic analysis (HUMSS_MCT12-Ic-e-3); and

3. Apply intuitive thinking in solving a problem in the community using a map

of social networks (HUMSS_MCT12-Ic-e-4) (HUMSS_MCT12-Ice-6).
 Understanding Strategic Analysis and
Intuitive Thinking
We all think. We have no choice but to think. In fact,
the great Aristotle described us, human persons as
the “thinking being”. However, could we challenge
ourselves to think at a higher level? Is thinking a skill
that can be improved? How often do we actually think
about the way we think?
Thinking is an important part of
our human experience, and one
that has captivated people for
centuries. Thinking skills are the
mental activities you use to
process information, make
connections, make decisions,
and create new ideas.
You use your thinking skills
when you try to make sense of
experiences, solve problems,
make decisions, ask questions,
make plans, or organize
information. ("Thinking Skills -
Analytical, Critical and Creative
Thinking", 2021)
Aristotle described the human person as
an “rational animal” which only mean
that we humans are the only beings
capable of reasoning or thinking. This
concept was reiterated by the modern
thinker, Rene Descartes, in his famous
“cogito ergo sum” or “I think therefore I
exist” which he meant that we human
beings, whether we liked it or not, whether
we choose it or not, whether we doubt it or
not, we think.
The question “why we
think?” may be functionally
answered by sciences like
psychology, biology and
physics but the question
“how we think?” brings us
to the process and
development of our capacity
to think.
Strategic Analysis and Intuitive Thinking
Defined
Strategic analysis refers to a
system or method that requires
deliberate, abstract, and
effortful thinking that breaks
down a complex problem into
parts.
The most common strategic analysis model used in decision-
making follows five steps as illustrated in the diagram below.
(Arzadon, 2018)
Another focus of this lesson is for
you to engage in decision-making
activities that will allow you to
apply decision making methods.
Strategic analysis is relevant in
addressing your personal issues as
a student.
It means that you can also analyze your own
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
in order to make creative strategies or solutions in
facing life challenges. In practice, a personal
SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,
Threat/s) will help you understand your personal
issues and goals as well as construct effective
ways in dealing with both.
This is illustrated through the personal SWOT analysis
Intuitive thinking is “quick and ready
insight” (Webster’s New Collegiate
Dictionary). It is another approach to
decision-making. This is the ability to
understand something instinctively without
the need for conscious reasoning.
Sometimes, it is referred to as gut feeling,
sixth sense, inner sense, instinct, inner
voice, spiritual guide, etc.
 Intuitive Thinking in Solving a Problem
Intuitive Thinking Is Fast Thinking
You made a snap decision without using any
intellectual analysis
You trusted your gut in a tough or awkward
situation
You had a feeling about entering a place or
situation that you could not define that
something was not quite right
Let us try to study the situations below and determined how
intuitive thinking was used in solving the problem.
Difference Between Strategic
Analysis and Intuititive
Thinking
Intuitive thinking is just that: thoughts that
arise from the back of your mind because the
situation you are dealing with has something
in common with your experience. No one can
teach you this; it must be earned with real-
world experience.
On the other hand, strategic thinking is a systematic
approach to solving problems. It begins with
recognizing the problem, analyzing it on a strategic
level, defining the strategic objective, coming up with
an action plan that can satisfy that objective,
evaluating the feasibility of the operational and
tactical level, enacting the plan, and evaluating the
result.
Which one is faster? Intuitions are
lightning fast. It comes to you on the spot,
or in the morning shower the next day. You
see, intuitive thinking only analyzes existing
data you already have in your brain
(experience). Strategic thinking requires you
to go out and collect data you never had,
then analyze it.
Which one is safer? Strategic
thinking is safer because you are
forced to collect new data. Intuitive
thinking relives on past experience
which means it might be working on
outdated data.
 Key Components of Strategic Thinking

Components of strategic thought and action. In

simple terms, strategic thinking and/or planning
consists of three phases that identify and clarify:

•where we are now;

•where we want to be; and
•how we will get there
 5 common components includes:

1. Tools for analysis.

There are a number of different tools used
for analysis in strategic conversations. The
most common is the SWOT analysis
(Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and
Threats).
2. Strategic purpose/mission.
We will often describe strategic purpose as
clear understanding of why we exist and
why that’s important. It is also described as
a team’s essential reason for existence.
3. Vision.
Vision identifies the direction of the
department. It answers the question- “If
we consistently fulfilled our purpose with
excellence, what would that look like?”
Vision creates a compelling picture of the
team’s or organization’s future.
4. Key goals.
“What must we accomplish to move toward
the fulfillment of our vision?” A
fundamental component of any strategic
process is to identify those priorities that
will move the team forward.
5. Action planning.
A great strategy alone does not ensure success--but
the effective implementation of a great strategy does.
Oftentimes, strategic thinking and planning
processes fail because leaders did not take the time
to identify “who would do what by when? Action
planning clarifies the ways in which our daily work
will help move the goals forward”.
 Key Components for Intuitive Thinking

The three components of intuition: immediacy, sensing relationships,

and reasoning.

•Immediacy. The component of immediacy reflects the

role of timing in intuition. An intuition occurs
immediately with no planning. The component of
immediacy is supported by the fact that a person cannot
willfully maintain herself in the act of intuiting.
Sensing Relationships. How is it that we see
relationships and formulate connections between
objects, concepts, ideas? A music composer
formulates a series of notes of a certain pattern to
make music.
The Interplay of Reason with Intuition.
Intuition and traditional reasoning comprise a
unique and paradoxical relationship. Intuition as a
concept is in contrast with analytical reasoning, as
described earlier.
 Using Intuitive Thinking in Social Networks

Each person is engaged in a variety of networks

associated with his or her multiple roles and
interests in the community. According to Arzadon
et.al. (2017), these networks can be, among
others, political, economic, and sociocultural
.
•Community refers to a particular geographic
location with people living under the same set
of laws and recognizing common leaders.
Studies of community linkages deal usually
with who was seen interacting with whom.
Another concept in the study of social ties is
the center of influence. This is the person to
whom people gravitate around. This person
who can give favors, can command and make
things happen.
 Examples of center of influence are the
mayor, judge, barangay captain, school
principal, and university president, among
others. His or her influence transcends the
boundaries of social networks and thus
reaches other kinds of networks.
 Your political networks are composed
of relations with government officials,
student government, and community
leaders, among others.
 The economic networks you belong to
cover the manufacturers, agents, and
sellers of the goods you consume such
as those in stores, groceries, markets,
and malls as well as money lenders.
 Your sociocultural or social networks are those
belonging to your dance troupe, choir, reading club,
band, arts club, or theater company. Kinship ties,
neighborhood associations, friendship clubs, and
veterans’ associations also belong to the social
network wherein people constantly engage in close
communication and interaction through visits, phone
calls, text messages, and activities of common
interest.
Learning Activity:
Who do you think?

Intuitive thinking is fast and uses instincts,

right? Now let us see how quick would you
decide. Who do you think should be blamed
about certain problems or conditions below?
Be specific with your answers.
•ACTIVITY:

DIRECTION: Think 10 specific situations that exercise

intuitive thinking and 10 specific situations that
exercise strategic analysis in decision making. Reflect
on the insights you have gained from both experiences.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.