Combining interpretative and analytical approaches
Participatory staff engagement benefits from combining an interpretative, process-oriented and exploratory approach and an analytical, project-oriented problem-solving approach. Interpretation values continuous processes, exploration and discovery, while analysis focuses on solving well-defined problems. Combined, these two perspectives provide a powerful balance between exploration and adaptation, and structure and finding solutions.
Participatory staff engagement benefits from combining an interpretative, process-oriented and exploratory approach and an analytical, project-oriented problem-solving approach.
Their combination allows the Community of Practice – a group of staff members focusing on the green transition – to remain both flexible and goal-driven—constantly exploring while also focusing on achieving measurable outcomes. This is particularly useful in environment-focused projects that need to balance the initial ideation and final implementation of the innovation process and where the exploration of new ideas needs to be matched with a structured approach to deliver results.
Interpretation values continuous processes, exploration and discovery, with an emphasis on flexibility, adaptability and fluid interaction. Analysis, again, focuses on solving well-defined problems through structured, goal-oriented actions and clear communication. This latter approach is particularly useful when seeking to systematically and efficiently find solutions to complex challenges that are bounded and defined in the innovation process.
The approaches are characterised in the following:
Interpretative, exploratory, process-oriented approach
- Process-oriented: focusing on a continuous process that does not necessarily have a clear end point.
- Finding new meanings: the emphasis is on exploration and finding new perspectives or meanings, rather than on solving predetermined problems.
- Setting direction: members of the Green Transition Community of Practice guide their colleagues by setting directions rather than concrete, specific goals.
- Activities: activities focus on facilitating open-ended discussions that encourage multiple perspectives and embrace ambiguity.
- Communication style: communication is fluid, context-dependent and not tightly defined, allowing for the exploration of ideas and nuances.
Analytical, project-oriented and problem-solving approach
- Project-centred: focusing on a specific, time-bound project with a clear start and end.
- Pre-defined problems: the focus is on solving problems that have already been identified and defined.
- Goal setting: members of the Green Transition Community of Practice define specific goals to be achieved.
- Activities: activities focus on analysis and decision-making, negotiation to resolve differences, and reducing ambiguity.
- Communication style: communication is structured and focuses on the accurate exchange of clear and precise information.
Combined, these two perspectives provide a powerful balance between exploration and adaptation, and structure and finding solutions.
- Exploration and Adaptation: The interpretative side ensures that the team remains open to new ideas, continuous learning, and adaptation, making it well suited to uncertain or complex environments.
- Structure and Solutions: The analytical side brings order and focuses on solving problems with precision and clarity, ensuring that the project stays on track and delivers concrete results.
Further information:
Lester, R., & Piore, M. (2004). Innovation: The missing dimension. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
