The spectrum of context sensitivity

A continuum like IQ

Just like with an IQ distribution, there is also a distribution in context sensitivity.
Some are strong in complex thinking, others are weak in complex thinking.
Most people are in the broad middle of the Gaussian curve.

The tree as a metaphor

Context is not a one-dimensional given.
Just as the branches of a tree grow in all directions, context sensitivity can also differ per domain.
For example, someone can think very contextually in social situations, but rather concretely and linearly in organizational matters.

Degrees of thinking

We distinguish three levels:

• 1st-degree thinking: linear and concrete
• 2nd-degree thinking: thinking about how another thinks
• 3rd-degree thinking: thinking about how another thinks, who thinks about a third

From 2nd-degree thinking onwards, we speak of complex thinking.

Complex thinking

Complex thinking is the ability to integrate multiple perspectives, time layers, and consequences into the interpretation of a situation. See Lexicon – Complex thinking for the full definition.

Spectrum from low to high

On the left side of the spectrum is context blindness:

• interpreting information mainly literally and concretely
• a lot of attention to details, less to coherence
• missing social and emotional signals
• transactional behavior

On the right side is high-contextual thinking:

• making connections between the present, past, and future
• understanding nuance and undertones
• considering others' perspectives
• strong in systems thinking and long-term thinking

Further

For concrete examples, see Voorbeelden van laag-complex denken and Voorbeelden van hoog-complex denken.