Understand

Strategic Analysis
& Intuitive
Thinking
GERALD P. SIOQUIM, LPT, MAED-GC, RGC
 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).
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)

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.
 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)
The process above requires you to follow a pattern to
creatively address a situation. This involves strategic
thinking.
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.
 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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. A center of influence has many people
and institutions attached to him or her, thereby
creating a substantial influence in the community.
The End