Critical thinking refers to the ability to think clearly and rationally on what to do in any situation. It helps you create knowledge and evidence-based solutions to problems you can encounter in the workplace. Most, if not all, organisations see critical thinking as an essential skill because it helps the organisation save time and money in the long run, but there can be challenges, for example:
- it can be time consuming gathering facts that are necessary for making a critical decision
- it can be frustrating sorting fact from fiction and considering each source of information.
However, today, organisations are more likely to hire people equipped with critical thinking skills because these skills help employees solve problems and find strategies to assist them become more skilled at their jobs.
This topic will discuss how critical thinking can be established in the workplace. It will explain the key characteristics of critical thinking, evaluate situations in which critical thinking concepts can be applied in work practices, and articulate benefits when applying critical thinking processes.
Critical thinking is the process of evaluating factual evidence and analysing thinking. Critical thinking includes: effective problem solving, objectivity, open-mindedness, curiosity, unbiased analysis, interpretation, inference, teamwork and communication skills such as asking thoughtful questions.
It also involves self-disciplined and corrective thinking. While information plays a big role in the critical thinking process, critical thinking is not just about memorising information. Critical thinkers know how to use available information to their advantage. They can provide systematic solutions to problems they may encounter, anywhere in the world.
Before we go any further, let’s define some terms related to critical thinking.
Key terms and definitions
The following table provides some key terms and definitions. Recognising them is necessary so you can work through this module. You may want to create a personalised glossary of any unfamiliar terms for future reference.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Concept | Concepts are abstract ideas or general notions that occur in the mind, speech, or thought. They are the fundamental building blocks of thoughts and beliefs. |
| Technique | Techniques are ways of carrying out a task, doing or achieving something. It can refer to anything from creating an artwork, conducting a science procedure or solving problems at work. |
| Approach | An approach is a way of dealing with a problem and may involve different techniques, for example critical thinking. |
| Characteristics | A characteristic refers to something that distinguishes or identifies a person, thing, or class. It can also refer to special qualities or identities. |
| Process | A process is a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end. |
| Practice | Practice is the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it. |
| Analyse | To analyse means to break something complex into smaller parts to get a better understanding of it. For example, scrutinising a work process and working out why it is not producing the results it should be. |
| Work practice | Work practices generally refer to unspoken and unofficial ways on how certain things are done in the workplace. For example, when staff wear casual and colourful clothes to work on Fridays and not the normal black and white attire. |
Critical thinkers often make the best decisions when it comes to communicating information and completing tasks in the workplace. They can think outside the box and use facts when dealing with problems. They are also able to weigh all the possible solutions to a problem before making a final decision.
Importantly, critical thinkers make logical and informed decisions to the best of their ability. In order to become a critical thinker, that is, a free thinker, you will need to be patient, self-disciplined and make time to develop these skills.
To learn more about what is and what isn't critical thinking, watch this short 2.5 minute video. You might be pleasantly surprised at your level of critical thinking. Are you? Note down what you are doing well and where you can develop further your critical thinking skills.
Critical thinking processes
Critical thinking is a skill that is useful throughout your life. To improve your critical thinking skills, you must first learn about the key critical thinking processes. There are several ways to learn the key critical thinking processes. Among these methods, Bloom’s Taxonomy best describes how critical thinking processes can be used in your daily life.
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Bloom’s Taxonomy framework was developed by Benjamin Bloom in 1956 and revised in 2001. It is a framework created to provide a common language for educators and used to teach critical thinking. Each level depends on the one below and is often drawn as a pyramid as illustrated below. In other words, moving from lower order thinking skills (for example, remembering) to higher order critical thinking skills (for example, creativity).
The following information unpacks further Bloom's Taxonomy and the six levels (from lowest to highest) and illustrates how thinking skills develop in complexity.
Unpacking Bloom's taxonomy
- Remembering (lowest level)
This skill involves remembering facts and basic concepts. Here, you may name, write, and describe the information you have read or heard.
Example: Michelle shows Ding Yao the process for filing paper-based records. She explains the filing must be done each afternoon from 3.30pm and stresses the importance of being careful to file paperwork correctly because of client confidentiality. Michelle explains there although there is no formal procedure, this is the work practice. A week later, Michelle asks Ding Yao what time filing begins and why it is important to be meticulous when completing the work process of paper-based filing. - Understanding
Your brain takes in information through a series of steps. You can understand whatever is being discussed by linking each piece of information given, and forming a general idea out of it. It involves understanding what the critical thinking task or idea is communicating and having the ability to transform it into one's own version.
Understanding involves describing, classifying, and interpreting concepts or ideas. This level focuses on constructing meaning from different sources of information.
Example: Ding Yao misplaces a classified document. She shows remorse as she understands the importance this document is for a client who is applying for a home loan. - Applying
This skill involves applying learned information to new situations. Here, you can apply the knowledge you learned in classrooms, books, workplace training, the internet, to concrete situations. You can also organise your thoughts and develop questions that may help you find answers to your problems.
Example: Ding Yao understands that confidentiality is crucial when working in an accounting office. When Ding Yao visits her friend, who works in another accountant's office, she reminds herself not to mention clients' names or any personal information. She knows that if she does, this could be a breach of confidentiality. - Analysing
Here, you will be analysing your ideas and drawing connections between them. This skill allows you to differentiate your ideas from one another and distinguish their different characteristics. It allows you to break information down into more manageable parts and relate each part to another.
Example: Ding Yao can see the links between an accounting firm with a solid reputation that provides quality service for a reasonable price, their services expanding and the possibility of a permanent job for her. - Evaluating
Evaluating involves justifying your decision through the information and ideas you generated in the previous skills. It is the process of making judgements on the value, credibility, or strength of thoughts and ideas. Being impartial and objective is important in evaluating as it helps you avoid biases in decision-making and helps you weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a choice as well. This skill comes before creating because it focuses on reviewing the skill before using it to create something new.
Example: Ding Yao’s traineeship finishes soon. Although she hasn’t been offered a permanent position, Ding Yao has been asked to stay on as a casual with Ace Finance. Ding Yao is confident she will be offered a permanent position because Michelle and the other accountants have taken on more clients than they expected. As a result, they have requested a fulltime administrative assistant. - Creating
The revised Bloom’s Taxonomy refers to this skill as the highest form of learning. It focuses on creating new work or putting together learned information in a new way. This may involve organising, designing, and developing original works or processes.
Example: Michelle asks Ding Yao, her new trainee, if she could look at the current procedure for trainees and develop a dedicated procedure for administration assistants and filing clerk trainees.
As mentioned earlier, critical thinking takes time and patience. You can not expect to become a critical thinker overnight. To become a critical thinker, you must first learn about the different critical thinking concepts and techniques. As described in the key terms and definitions table, concepts are abstract ideas or general notions that occur in the mind, speech or thought. Examples of critical thinking concepts include:
- conceptualising
- applying
- analysing
- synthesising
- evaluating information.
These concepts are applied by observing, reflecting, experiencing, reasoning and communicating, as a guide to belief and action.
The qualities of clarity, accuracy and logicalness are also important concepts, and will be discussed in more detail in this topic.
How to apply critical thinking techniques in the workplace
Critical thinking techniques can be applied at work, and in any situation or employee position. It is applicable whenever people solve problems or make decisions. Critical thinking allows you to address and understand a situation based on facts and available information. It also allows you to see the bigger picture and piece information together. Each person in an organisation makes countless decisions daily, and these decisions can make or break deals, impact on results, and hamper agreements.
Examples of four critical thinking techniques are outlined below.
| Technique | Applying the technique |
|---|---|
| Asking questions |
Asking questions helps you recall and interpret facts, break down information, and judge information. Always ensure to ask the right questions at the right time. You must also listen to responses and ask follow-up questions.
|
| Considering the perspectives of others | Considering the opinions of others is an essential part of critical thinking. It promotes respect, creativity, and communication in your workplace. Because of this, ensure to ask the opinions of those in your workplace. Doing so will help prevent confusion and misunderstandings in the long run. |
| Identifying pros and cons | Identifying pros and cons is a great way to gather information and better understand situations. It helps you compare situations and make objective decisions |
| Predicting outcomes | This critical thinking technique is important because it helps you have an idea of what to expect whenever you make decisions. By considering all possible outcomes and scenarios, you will be more creative and innovative when making decisions. |
Key critical thinking concepts
Because critical thinking has such a huge impact in the workplace, three of its key critical thinking concepts merit discussion here. They are clarity, accuracy and logicalness. The following table defines each and provides an example.
| Concept/Quality | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Clarity |
Clarity is perhaps the most important critical thinking concept especially in the workplace. Clarity ensures that ideas are well-thought-out and defined. People usually make mistakes and find it hard to understand concepts and procedures when they are not clearly defined beforehand. You cannot determine if a statement is relevant or accurate if it is not stated clearly. In the same way, you cannot understand an instruction when it is not explained in a clear and cohesive manner. |
New employees need to be clearly trained and taught about the organisation’s policies and procedures before undertaking work tasks. To avoid mistakes, information must be thoroughly conveyed, and work procedures provided. In the same way, an employee needs to ask to obtain clarity on concepts that may seem confusing. |
| Accuracy |
Accuracy is vital in critical thinking. This is achieved by using facts and evidence. A thought conveys accuracy if it contains a precise and accurate idea. The idea must be backed up by facts, and those facts must conform to the truth. Here are some criteria to check if the information you are conveying is accurate:
|
Your organisation gives you the task to research the percentage of Australians that use online accounting programs such as MYOB cloud accounting software. You cannot make up figures to address this question. To answer this question accurately, you must look for credible sources and information to deliver an accurate message. |
| Logicalness |
Logic refers to the science of reasonable thinking based on sound judgement. When your brain processes information, it arranges a collection of thoughts together to form a cohesive idea. Thinking is logical when the combination of thoughts is structured. It must also present a relationship between facts and evidence. Thinking is not logical when the combination is contradictory and does not make sense. You can think of your ideas as puzzle pieces. Logicalness is achieved when the puzzle pieces fit perfectly together. Ask yourself the following questions to check if your ideas are logical:
Ensure that your ideas answer these questions correctly to make sure your ideas are consistent and logical. Inconsistent ideas may lead to confusion and misunderstandings. |
A supervisor does not agree with staff members working extra hours every day. Her logic is that employees will eventually resent doing the extra hours, it will lead to lower morale in the team, resignations, conflict and productivity loss. She is well aware of the Fair Work Act and the role of WorkCover and the unions, in workplace issues. |
Watch the following video and consider if you practice clarity! Be honest with yourself and if necessary, jot down ideas on how you can develop clarity at work and in your personal life.
Tips for communicating your thoughts and ideas clearly
Use plain English
Using plain English helps you convey your message as you are using language considered to be clear and concise and avoiding jargon and uncommon vocabulary unless it is relevant. Plain English refers to language phrased simply enough that a layperson can understand.
Articulate
Being articulate is having the ability to speak fluently and coherently. It helps to get your message across because you are speaking clearly, articulating your words, projecting your voice and not speaking quickly.
Think before speaking
Remember to think about what you are going to say before you say it. It is easy to make mistakes when you say things without thinking. Make sure to check for the validity of the information you are conveying (facts and evidence) so your message is correct and understood by others.
Know your audience
You will need to adjust your language depending on who your audience is. If you are communicating with a colleague, you are likely to use jargon and technical terms to communicate your thoughts and ideas.
Avoid unnecessary jargon
Jargon can get in the way of clear communication and can be difficult for people who are not in that profession or group. It can be riddled with industry acronyms and colloquialisms which makes it difficult for outsiders to understand. Using jargon doesn't make you sound smarter!
Using Bloom's Taxonomy critical thinking skills at work
Earlier in this topic, you were introduced to the revised Bloom's Taxonomy thinking levels. We will now go through, in detail, the three highest order levels that critical thinkers follow.
Analysing
Analysing is the third-highest order thinking in Bloom's revised model. Analysis is the separating of thoughts and ideas into different parts. These parts may include an idea’s strengths and weaknesses, different possibilities, etc. To further understand this critical thinking approach, refer to this example:
Ace Finance sends out client feedback forms after the end of year tax period. You are keen to know more about clients' knowledge and skills using digital technologies to collaborate, and whether they would use social media for accounting purposes if offered by Ace Finance. You, as the manager, will then analyse this feedback and use the information obtained to develop improvements that will cater to your clients’ needs.
Analysing the feedback obtained and developing improvements may include thinking of different possibilities and studying the strengths and weaknesses of each option.
Evaluating
Evaluation is the second-highest order thinking in Bloom's revised model. Evaluation is making judgements on the value, credibility, or strength of thoughts and ideas. It includes obtaining information from credible sources. Being impartial and objective is important for evaluation so that the proper judgement can be made. You may gain a better understanding of how evaluation and critical thinking go hand in hand by continuing the example provided on Ace Finance clients' levels of digital technologies usage, including social media.
After obtaining information on your survey questions, ask yourself the following questions:
- Did you obtain your information from credible sources?
- Did you consider all possible perspectives while researching your topic?
- Do all your points connect to each other?
- Are your ideas relevant to your topic?
- Are your opinions on the topic the same before and after you researched it?
These are but a few questions you can ask to evaluate the work you have done on your topic. Always ensure to evaluate your work based on the credibility of your sources, and the content of your research.
Creating
Creativity is the highest-order thinking level in Bloom's Taxonomy's revised version. It focuses on creating new work or putting together learned information, in a new way. In the same example, from Ace Finance, an example might be:
You decide to put together a proposal for introducing new digital technologies and increasing social media opportunities for clients.
Steps for carrying out an evaluation
Evaluations help you assess situations and work practices (formal or informal) where critical thinking is applied. They also help you become more aware if anything needs to be improved or changed. The following table describes a simple five-step process used to evaluate a situation at work or elsewhere. You will notice that critical thinking underpins this process. Evaluation is making judgments on the value, credibility, or strength of thoughts and ideas.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Identify the situation you want to evaluate |
Provide a clear description of what you want to evaluate. Set goals of what you want to accomplish in your evaluation. Situations that can be evaluated can include evaluating how communication is practised in the workplace or how office hours are spent by employees. |
| Step 2: Create evaluation questions | Ensure you create evaluation questions that meet your evaluation goals. These questions should be in line with what you want to achieve. |
| Step 3: Create a set of criteria to base your evaluation on | Creating a set of criteria is important because it provides a means to measure what you want to evaluate. It also helps you determine what is important to you. Furthermore, criteria should determine expectations and should provide structure to your evaluation. |
| Step 4: Collect data |
Here, you must collect accurate and reliable data that will answer your evaluation question. You must also determine how you want to conduct your evaluation. You can conduct your evaluation through, for example:
|
| Step 5: Analyse and communicate results |
Analysing results involves organising your data and reviewing its quality and consistency. Here, you must determine how your results are related to each other, and you must also describe how you handled your results. This step involves sharing your findings and identifying recommendations. Always ensure to clearly present your results so it can be easily understood by others. You can communicate your results through, for example:
|
Now we have identified the key characteristics of critical thinking, the evaluation process and looked at examples of where critical thinking and evaluation are used at work, we will discuss further the benefits of critical thinking to you, your colleagues and clients.
- It encourages you to observe different situations and weighs all possible results before making a decision: As mentioned before, the best decisions always involve weighing the pros and cons of each option before deciding. Considering all the possible results, factors, and scenarios can help you analyse each situation. After determining the alternative that has the most advantages, you may then make the best decision.
- It looks beyond a specific step in the decision-making process: Applying critical thinking practices in the workplace includes looking towards the future when making decisions. Critical thinkers do not just focus on the information or the steps provided. Instead, they look beyond what is provided and think of ways on how each step can be improved.
- It brings new ideas to the table and promotes creativity: Critical thinking makes you think outside the box and go beyond your comfort zone. It also helps you create more creative approaches to a variety of scenarios. This includes imagining possibilities, connecting ideas, and applying these ideas by generating solutions. Creativity will always be useful in critical thinking. This is because critical thinking deals with generating ideas, weighing alternatives, and making decisions.
- It helps you move past the familiar or routine: When gathering your thoughts and making decisions, the first things one usually thinks of usually lean towards the familiar or routine. By applying critical thinking to the decision-making process, you learn to think of new solutions to old problems. You will not be stuck classifying anything under something that has happened in the past.
Workplace examples
Let us look at two examples where critical thinking has been applied to a work practice.
| Where critical thinking has been used | Example |
|---|---|
| Looking beyond a specific step in the decision-making process | Suppose you work for an organisation that specialises in business research. You are given an outline of the topic you will research on. However, after reading through it, you realise a lot of information was missing and that you could achieve better results by doing extra research. Doing more than what is expected of you is a benefit of applying critical thinking processes because it helps you gain an in-depth understanding of your task. It also helps you achieve better results and promotes hard work and perseverance in the workplace. |
| Moving beyond the familiar or routine | Suppose you have been working in the same organisation for five years. This organisation implements payroll software. You have grown accustomed to your organisation’s practices and view your daily tasks as a routine. During the recent COVID-19 outbreak, your manager asks all of you for ideas of safety measures that may allow you to continue operations despite the outbreak. Applying critical thinking practices will help you identify parts of your routine that need improving to safely work during a pandemic. It will also help your existing knowledge on your processes; it will help you identify safety measures (such as improved ergonomics) to work while protecting yourself from the virus. |
Key points
- Critical thinking encourages you to observe different situations and weigh all possible results before making a decision.
- Bloom’s Taxonomy provides a common language for educators and promotes higher forms of thinking.
- There are six key thinking levels in the revised Bloom's Taxonomy. The levels move from lower order thinking to higher order critical thinking and are: remembering (lowest), understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating and creating (highest).
- Critical thinking plays an important part in the workplace, especially when you are solving problems and making decisions.
- Critical thinking makes you think outside the box and go beyond your comfort zone. It also helps you consider more creative approaches to a variety of scenarios.
- Critical thinking techniques allow you to address and understand a given situation based on facts and available information.
The final activity for this topic is a set of questions that will help you prepare for your formal assessment.
