This document discusses strategic analysis and intuitive thinking. It defines strategic analysis as a deliberate, systematic process that breaks down complex problems into parts. Intuitive thinking is described as quick insight based on feelings, norms and prior experience rather than conscious reasoning. The document explains that both approaches can be combined for effective decision making. It also discusses applying intuitive thinking to analyze social networks, which are clusters of people connected through roles, interests and real-life interactions in a community.

1. Understand
Strategic Analysis &
Intuitive Thinking
Errol P. Bayoneta

2. Objectives
After going through this module, you should be able to:
1. 1. explain strategic analysis and intuitive thinking
(HUMSS_MCT12-Ic-e-2);
1. define strategic analysis and intuitive thinking
(HUMSS_MCT12-Ic-e-1);
2. 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-Ic-e-6).

3. 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?

4. 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)

5. As already described in the preliminary above, 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.

6. 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. Deliberate
thinking employs a detailed examination of a
problem to come up with a solution. This
involves looking at the context of the
problem. The amount of time and resources
are the primary factors in strategic analysis.
The most common strategic analysis model
used in decision-making follows five steps as
illustrated in the diagram below. (Arzadon,
2018)

7. The process above requires you to follow a pattern to
creatively address a situation. This involves strategic
thinking.

8. 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 shown on the next page,
which presents that of a student who wishes to finish high school
with good grades.

10. Intuitive thinking
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 is affected by how one feels and define a thing or
event. Particular norms and value systems within a community are
considered when making decisions. For example, among some
indigenous people, their farmers would not touch certain places in the
field like an anthill. When asked why they do avoid such places, they
cannot cite any pragmatic reason. It was just intuition. Maybe they will
say that nuno sa punso (a mythical dwarf-like creature), lives in those
places. Soil scientist said that such is a sound practice because anthills
are necessary to maintain the physical, chemical, and biological health
of the soil.

11. Intuitive decision-making is far more than using common sense
because it involves additional sensors to perceive and get aware of
the information from outside.
In dealing with everyday life issues and situations, we are called to
make immediate decisions based on our ‘gut’ feelings and prior
knowledge and experiences. This type of decision-making is evident
in various situations: a doctor assessing an emergency case; a
teacher determining the reason for a child’s inattentiveness in
class; a buyer examining which vegetable to buy; and a firefighter
trying to rescue a fire victim. In these cases, one would not hesitate
or delay making decisions because these situations need
immediate action.

12. The question is now
whether rational reasoning
or intuitive decision-making
is generally better. The
question is rather how both
approaches can be best
combined for best results
and to avoid mistakes and
prejudices.

14. Using Intuitive
Thinking in Social
Networks

15. 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.

16. Your political networks are
composed of relations with
government officials, student
government, and community
leaders, among others.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Social networks appear as clusters and support groups of
people who share similar interests, backgrounds, and real-life
connections. They are avenues for meeting new friends,
reuniting with old and lost friends, exchanging gifts and favors,
and developing cooperation. The community is home to this
web of interrelations and interconnections of people and
institutions. Communityrefers 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.

20. 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. A center of influence has many people
and institutions attached to him or her, thereby
creating a substantial influence in the community.