Analytic and holistic thinking

Stephanie Y.P. Chua

Chapter 3 in Elgar Concise Encyclopedia of Neuroscience and Management, 2026, pp 12-14 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Analytic and holistic thinking styles describe distinct yet complementary ways in which individuals process information. While often used to explain differences between Western and East Asian cognitive styles, their relevance extends beyond cultural contexts. They provide a valuable framework for understanding how people adapt their thinking to meet varying environmental, task, and situational demands. In management and leadership contexts, holistic thinking is associated with intuitive and innovative approaches, whereas analytic thinking supports logical reasoning, strategic evaluation, and systematic problem-solving. Together, these thinking styles can be leveraged within organisational settings to enhance decision-making, adaptability, and leadership effectiveness.

Keywords: Analytic and holistic thinking; Cognitive styles; Information processing; Decision-making (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332885
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