Common sense and integrative thinking

Abstract

PurposeThe complexity of organizational decisions requires the ability to integrate diverse facts, ideas, issues, and connections into more comprehensive integrative thinking for decisions. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the relationship between common sense and integrative thinking. Common sense, on the surface, seems to be incompatible with integrative thinking yet common sense can enrich integrative thinking. Recommendations are made for leveraging the strengths of common sense thinking in identifying salient (relevant) factor stage of integrative thinking. Suggestions for future research are identified.Design/methodology/approachThe approach of this paper is to use literature‐based research to identify how common sense tensions can enhance integrative thinking.FindingsFive suggestions are presented to leverage common sense thinking when identifying salient factors in a situation. When common sense is successfully integrated at the first stage of integrative thinking, it will enhance the thinking in the other three stages.Originality/valueThis paper stresses that common sense and integrative thinking are compatible. Avenues for future research are identified.