How Do You Spell SENSEMAKING?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛnsɪmˌe͡ɪkɪŋ] (IPA)

Sensemaking is a term commonly used in the field of information science and refers to the process of seeking understanding of complex information. The spelling of this word combines the root word "sense" and the suffix "-making." The phonetic transcription for this word is /sɛnsmeɪkɪŋ/. The "s" is pronounced as in "sun," the "e" is pronounced as in "met," the "n" is pronounced as in "never," the "m" is pronounced as in "man," the "a" is pronounced as in "may," the "k" is pronounced as in "kite," the "i" is pronounced as in "bit," and the "ng" is pronounced as in "sing."

SENSEMAKING Meaning and Definition

1. Sensemaking is the cognitive process by which individuals or groups attempt to make sense of or understand complex or ambiguous situations or information. It involves actively seeking patterns, connections, or explanations in order to develop coherent and meaningful interpretations of the world around them. Sensemaking is an ongoing and iterative process that takes into account both internal cognitive processes and external interactions with the environment.

   In sensemaking, individuals draw on their existing knowledge, beliefs, values, and experiences to construct a mental framework that helps them interpret and make sense of new or unfamiliar information. They engage in various information processing activities such as organizing, categorizing, interpreting, and evaluating data or events to create a coherent and logical understanding.

   Sensemaking can occur at different levels, ranging from personal sensemaking (individuals making sense of their own experiences) to organizational sensemaking (groups or teams collaboratively making sense of complex situations). It is closely associated with sensegiving, which involves communicating or sharing interpretations or explanations to influence the sensemaking process of others.

   Sensemaking is particularly important in contexts characterized by uncertainty, ambiguity, or information overload. It helps individuals or groups navigate through complexity and make informed decisions. By making sense of their environment and situations, people can adapt, learn, discover new meaning, and ultimately take appropriate actions to deal with challenges or opportunities they face.

Etymology of SENSEMAKING

The word "sensemaking" is a compound term that combines "sense" and "making".

The term was first introduced by Karl E. Weick, an organizational theorist and sociologist, in his 1995 book "Sensemaking in Organizations". It was used to describe the process individuals go through to make sense of and comprehend ambiguous or complex situations.

The term "sense" is derived from the Latin "sensus", which means "feeling" or "perception". It is related to the cognitive faculties of understanding, interpreting, and comprehending information.

The term "making" is derived from the Old English word "macian", meaning "to bring into existence" or "to create". It implies the act of constructing or forming something.

Therefore, in the context of "sensemaking", the term essentially refers to the process of creating understanding or meaning out of an ambiguous or complex situation.