THEORETICAL APPROACH TO INTRA-ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS CONDITIONING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DESIGN THINKING IN ENTERPRISES

Abstract

The purpose of the following study was to systematize knowledge about design thinking and identify the key intra-organizational factors that determine the successful application of design thinking in enterprises. The formulated objectives were implemented on the basis of a review of the most important domestic and foreign literature on this topic. The article compiles fundamental definitions of design thinking, characterizes the key rules of this notion and describes the design thinking process in accordance with a conceptualization based on an iterative sequence of five stages of action. The literature review conducted to create this article has led to the identification of crucial intra-organizational factors promoting the effective application of design thinking in companies. They include an organizational culture based on the assumptions of collaboration and experimentation, a favorable attitude of senior management towards the practical use of design thinking, a correct understanding of the essence of design thinking by executives, managers and employees, as well as the need to legitimize the method within the organization and ensure that project teams find balance between their level of independence and the need to adapt to certain constraints arising from the nature of their function within the organization. Conclusions arising from the current study also indicate that the successful application of design thinking is determined by resources available to companies. Human and information resources play a key role in this regard.