The Multifaceted Sensemaking Theory: A Systematic Literature Review and Content Analysis on Sensemaking

Abstract

There are several key sensemaking models and theories that have attracted a lot of attention among researchers and practitioners in the last few decades. The adaptation and application of sensemaking has varied by field of study, organizational type, and industry. This study explored these sensemaking models and theories to better answer the following questions: what is sense-making/sensemaking? How is sensemaking practiced today compared to the original sensemaking frameworks, models, and theories? To answer these questions, the current study conducted a systematic literature review and content analysis of current research involving sensemaking methods, practices, and techniques. As a result, topic modeling and data analytic techniques were used to construct a multifaceted conceptual framework that has been contrasted and compared with previous sensemaking frameworks, models, and theories to show its coverage and coherence. The new multifaceted sensemaking (MSM) theory consists of nine stages with defining characteristics for each stage that were either derived from the data analysis or conceptualized by the researcher based on the literature review. The new theory presented demonstrates how previous sensemaking theories evolved and have influenced both practice and research today. The multifaceted sensemaking theory is influenced by previous sensemaking theories while also representing sensemaking in current practice. The multifaceted sensemaking theory contributes to the sensemaking field of study a new theory with nine stages and defining characteristics.