12307: Leading in the Unknown: Experimenting with Design Practice and Pragmatist Philosophy

In today’s complex, uncertain, and rapidly changing world, individuals in organizations face ongoing challenges in making sense of ambiguous and unpredictable scenarios. Thriving in such environments demands moving beyond established norms, embracing new ways of leading and organizing. This PDW will explore how individuals can not only respond to change but proactively shape and navigate the unknown. We draw on design practices as a source of inspiration for leadership. Grounded in experience, imagination, and sensemaking, design practices extend beyond tools for innovation, offering valuable approaches for organizing amid uncertainty. Theoretically, Pragmatist philosophy—drawing on the work of e.g. John Dewey, G. H. Mead, William James and Mary Parker Follett—provides insights for connecting design with organizational challenges. Pragmatism emphasizes action, experimentation, and reflection, and has significantly influenced theories on design practice, e.g. Schön’s (1983) notion of design as reflection-in-action. A Pragmatist lens helps us explore how leaders can develop imaginative, experimental approaches to grapple with the unknown in dynamic contexts (Farjoun et al., 2015; Simpson and den Hond, 2022). Yet, insights into the generative interplay between leadership and design practices informed by Pragmatism remain fragmented. This PDW aims to bridge these perspectives, encouraging participants to experiment with design practices while collaboratively addressing leadership challenges. Guided by organizers and panelists, participants will co-create solutions, identify new research opportunities, and advance practical insights for leading in uncertainty. Ultimately, our goal is to foster a cross-disciplinary research community dedicated to exploring leading in the unknown through the combined lenses of design and Pragmatism.

Designmuseum Denmark
Room: Festsalen (first floor)
Address: Bredgade 68, 1260 Copenhagen K