Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

Lesson 2.2

Strategic Analysis and Intuitive Thinking

ContentsContents 0

Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Let’s Connect 2

Discover 3Strategic Analysis 3

Strategic Planning 4Strategic Analysis and Networks 4

Intuitive Thinking 5Components of Intuitive Thinking 6

Strategic Analysis and Intuitive Thinking on Networks 6

Wrap-Up 8

Try This! 9

Challenge Yourself 10

Reflect on This 11

Photo Credit 12

Bibliography 12

Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

Lesson 2.2

Strategic Analysis and IntuitiveThinking

Introduction

It has been long debated that what sets us human beings apart from other species in the

animal kingdom is our ability to think rationally. This includes our ability to decide and act

either analytically or out of intuition.

Both strategic analysis and intuitive thinking play a great role in society building and the

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Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

forming of networks. A person’s actions are driven by either strategic or intuitive thinking,

and these actions have an effect on society as a whole. To know more, let us begin by

defining and evaluating strategic analysis and intuitive thinking. As we know more, we will

see how these techniques can be useful in the formation of and interaction within networks.

Learning ObjectivesIn this lesson, you should be able to do the

following:

● Discuss strategic analysis and

intuitive thinking.

● Define strategic planning.

● Analyze how strategic analysis

and intuitive thinking affect

networks.

DepEd Learning CompetenciesAt the end of this lesson, you should be able to do

the following:

● Define strategic analysis and intuitive thinking

(HUMSS_MCT12- Ic-e-1).

● Explain strategic analysis and intuitive

thinking (HUMSS_MCT12- Ic-e-2).

Let’s Connect

Resolving Conflicts 10 minutes

Think of the instances when you have encountered conflict within your networks. How did

you address each problem? Reflect on how you resolved conflicts within your networks by

answering the guide questions below.

Guide Questions1. What is your first thought when you have a misunderstanding with someone in your

network (e.g., a family member or a friend)?

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Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

2. Do you strategize to resolve your conflicts with them? Explain.

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3. Do you act based on your immediate thoughts or gut feelings to resolve conflicts

with them? Explain.

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Discover

Strategic AnalysisTo effectively maintain networks, its members must also have their own share of skills and

competencies in order to keep things working smoothly. Since we are dealing with a

number of people, there are various things to be considered in order to keep the network

afloat. One crucial skill in this endeavor is a strategic analysis which refers to "the ability to

synthesize and utilize intuition and creativity in order for an organization to achieve an

integrated perspective" (Muriithi, et al. 2018). By utilizing this skill, the members are also

able to exercise their ability to think critically in order to arrive at conclusions that are

helpful for their network's success.

How are strategic analysis and intuitive thinking

effective in managing one’s networks?

According to Hogan and Kaiser (2009, 2), strategic analysis is the ability to plan, organize,

coordinate, monitor, and make use of available resources. Through strategic analysis,

leaders, as well as their members, can reach a consensus or a definite resolution through

the use of data, supporting information, and other materials. The results of this endeavor

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Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

are profound solutions that are backed up by data. Strategic analysis allows organizations to

generate ideas with confidence and resourcefulness when facing adversities.

Strategic PlanningSince strategic analysis begins with the ability to plan, it is equally important to highlight the

notion of strategic planning. Formulating a strategy is a skill possessed by rulers and

generals since ancient times, and this ability has guided them in overcoming battles.

Primarily, strategic planning is about locating both the obstacles and opportunities that

may either obstruct or may enable us to carry out certain missions (The Enterprise

Foundation 1999, 2). It requires analytical skills. Preparing a strategic plan applies to a wide

range of activities, from the smallest of our survival needs to the systematic areas of

research, business, and medicine, among other things. If properly applied, it is an effective

tool to keep organizations and networks intact.

One key activity in strategic planning is an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities,

and threats, that is, the SWOT analysis. The development and imagined success of a plan

can be measured through this procedure. Using SWOT Analysis, a strategic review of an

organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats can help it prepare for

possible problems and maximize key opportunities. Using this method may lead to a

stronger organization as a whole. With these characteristics, strategic planning resembles

the nature of strategic analysis.

By considering the factors that affect a situation or by breaking down a big problem into

smaller steps or components through strategic analysis and planning, complicated

situations become more manageable and actionable. Strategic analysis and planning also

open up a variety of solutions.

Strategic Analysis and NetworksStrategic planning and strategic analysis may also be used to unite a group into a single,

collective being. They involve "a series of powerful analytical tools that enables us to make

sense of a complex world and can transform the way we think, behave, and interact with

others" (Hogan and Kaiser, 2009). It also comes in handy when a network needs to relate or

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Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

link with another network, thereby forging connections as well. By being tactical and

organized when it comes to managing one’s own network, one can create fruitful

collaborations and partnerships with other groups.

3 Unmistakable Signs That You are a Strategic Thinker

Terina Allen, “3 Unmistakable Signs That You are a Strategic

Thinker,” Forbes, November 20, 2018,

https://www.forbes.com/sites/terinaallen/2018/11/20/3-unmista

kable-signs-youre-a-strategic-thinker/?sh=5e6da6b26921.

Intuitive ThinkingWhile strategic analysis is important in flourishing a network, it can be more powerful when

partnered with intuitive thinking. Intuitive thinking is characterized as the intellectual skill

of arriving at immediate decisions and conclusions without going through a rigorous

step-by-step process. By thinking intuitively, people will be able to make decisions in crucial

situations without first breaking down a problem into substantial pieces or components.

Fig.1. Some ancient Greek philosophers used intuitive thinking to solve their inquiries

pertaining to the world.

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Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

Components of Intuitive ThinkingWhen thinking based on intuition, people tend to formulate ideas in an immediate manner

or with “a spur of the moment” urgency (Baylor 1997). This is one of the characteristics of

thinking intuitively—immediacy. In layman’s terms, this can also be described as a gut

feeling. Another factor that aids our intuition is sensing relationships. The sudden flow of

thoughts that our senses dictate to us activates our intuitive thinking. Lastly, we are able to

intuit because we have the capacity to reason or to think. Alongside rationality, intuitive

thinking is also a uniquely human ability. The ability to reason helps us realize valuable

concepts and ideas.

Through intuitive thinking, an individual is able to almost instantly link things and ideas

together to formulate a conclusion—a whole new idea altogether. Some may not even

recognize the idea in the first place, and that's where sensing relationships between things

come in handy. We can triumph over obstacles and weave our way through almost anything

through the use of reasoning and critical thinking. In sum, intuitive thinking involves both

the mind and the body of a person or both theory and practice.

Check Your ProgressCan you think of a scenario in the past when you have acted based

on intuition? How?

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Strategic Analysis and Intuitive Thinking on NetworksStrategic analysis and intuitive thinking are two skills that go hand in hand when managing a

network. These skills are complementary. Intuitive thinking is crucial when developing fresh

ideas, while strategic analysis provides the necessary data and framework to foster the

actualization of the idea. The idea can only work if both skills are present in its formulation.

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Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

These skills are also helpful in "complex problem-solving tasks" (Reber 1989), because such

situations that involve "subconscious pattern formation and recognition must at some level

involve implicit or tacit knowledge" (Baylor 2001).

These skills and competencies can be applied to formulating and nurturing ideas that will be

beneficial for networks. For example, there is an existing problem in your community that

needs an immediate solution. Through intuitive thinking, an idea can be formulated

urgently, while strategic analysis will allow you to research additional data for the project,

such as its possible effects, the expenses, the time needed to accomplish it, and more.

These will help you keep your network well-knit and functioning.

In Philippine ContextDespite the Philippines being an archipelago, Filipinos are still able to link with each other

and form bonds with their fellow people. Increasing opportunities to maintain networks in

a modernized society, alongside the friendliness of Filipinos, sustain valued relationships.

These networks are typically in the form of family, friends, and members of the

community.

When conflict emerges among members of a Filipino network, the urge to resolve this with

immediacy or with a strategy is always considered. Situations like this make us hone our

intuitive and strategic thinking skills. As warm people with close family ties and

deep-rooted values for friendship, resorting to reason comes in handy when the risk of

losing our valued networks comes into play.

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Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

Wrap-Up_____________________________________________________________________________________________

● Strategic analysis is used to unite a group into one that has a collective mindset and

goal while giving them the freedom to connect with other groups as well.

● Strategic analysis utilizes supporting information in achieving a goal or executing an

idea.

● Strategic planning is about locating the obstacles and opportunities that may

enable or obstruct certain aims.

● Intuitive thinking has three components: immediacy, sensing relationships, and

reason. Intuitive thinking is likened to a gut feeling.

● Both the skills of strategic analysis and intuitive thinking are important in managing

networks, as well as making them grow and prosper.

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Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

Try This!

A. True or False. Write true if the statement is true and false if it is not.

_______________ 1. Strategic analysis requires critical thinking skills.

_______________ 2. Networks can form connections with other networks when strategic

analysis is applied.

_______________ 3. Intuition was used by postmodern thinkers to advance their claims.

_______________ 4. Reasoning is a unique human capacity.

_______________ 5. Strategic analysis and intuitive thinking are useful in managing

networks.

B. Identification. Choose the correct word from the box and write the correct answer on

the blank before each number.

Strategic Analysis Networks Intuitive Thinking

_____________________ 1. It is considered a crucial leadership skill.

_____________________ 2. This way of formulating ideas is usually done with

immediacy.

_____________________ 3. It can be composed of people linked together for certain

reasons.

_____________________ 4. This way of reasoning is also understood as a gut feeling.

_____________________ 5. They share common skills and competencies.

_____________________ 6. It is used to unite a group into a single, collective being.

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Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

_____________________ 7. It is when people formulate ideas in the spur of the

moment.

_____________________ 8. They can be managed well when proper strategies and

ways of thinking are applied.

_____________________ 9. It refers to the usage of intuition and supporting

information in achieving a goal or executing an idea.

_____________________ 10. A kind of thinking used by some ancient Greek

philosophers to elaborate ideas.

Challenge Yourself

Short-Answer Response. Answer the questions below.

1. In what ways can you improve your skills for strategic analysis? Explain your answer

in at least five sentences.

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2. In what ways can you improve your intuitive thinking? Explain your answer in at least

five sentences.

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Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

Suggested Rubric for GradingThe rubric below is a suggested one. Your teacher may modify it based on your needs.

Consult your teacher for the final rubric.

Criteria

Performance Levels

SuggestedWeight

Score1Beginning

Proficiency

2Proficient

3Advanced

Proficiency

Knowledge of

the topic

Familiarity with the

topic needsimprovement.

Familiarity with the

topic is fairlyevident.

Familiarity with the

topic is exceptional. × 3

Clarity of ideas

presented

The presentation of

ideas is incompleteand needsimprovement.

The presentation of

ideas is good.

The presentation of

ideas is exceptional. × 1

Grammar and

structure

Grammar and

sentence structure

needs improvement.

Grammar and

sentence structure is

good.

Grammar and

sentence structure is

exceptional.× 1

Total Possible Score 15

Reflect on This

Which do you think is more effective in resolving conflicts that a network may encounter:

strategic analysis or intuitive thinking?

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Unit 2: Understanding Local Networks

Photo Credit

Greek philosophers by dr.jd is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Creative Commons.

Bibliography

Baylor, Amy. “A Three-component Conception of Intuition: Immediacy, SensingRelationships, and Reason.” New Ideas in Psychology 15, No. 2, (1997): 185-194.

Bruner, Jerome. The Process of Education. New York: Vintage Books, 1963.

Fairchild, Joshua, Dawn Eubanks, and Samuel Hunter. “Effects of Intuition, Positive Affect,and Training on Creative Problem Solving.” In Encyclopedia of Creativity, Invention,innovation and Entrepreneurship, edited by Caryannis E., 562-567. New York: Springer,2013.

Muriithi, Samuel, Lynette Luow, and Sarah Radloff. “The Relationship Between StrategicThinking and Leadership Effectiveness in Kenyan Indigenous Banks.” South AfricanJournal of Economic and Management Sciences 21 No. 1 (2018): 1-11.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324605512_The_relationship_between_strategic_thinking_and_leadership_effectiveness_in_Kenyan_indigenous_banks

Reber, Arthur. “Implicit Learning of Tacit Knowledge.” Journal of Experimental PsychologyGeneral 118, No. 3 (1989): 219-235. DOI: 10.1037/0096-3445.118.3.219.

The Enterprise Foundation. Effective Strategic Planning. Columbia, Maryland: The EnterpriseFoundation, 1999.

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