Solving strategic management challenges with Design Thinking: examining the suitability and effectiveness as a management method

Design Thinking (DT) is widely recognized for its role in product and service innovation. However, its application as a management method, where executives employ to address their own management problems, remains underexplored. Previous research on DT in management discourse has mainly focused on its impact on organizations when infused at scale, analyzing organizational innovativeness, innovation culture, or product innovation. Given that DT is primarily a human-centric approach, it may seem incompatible with addressing abstract strategic management problems. This raises questions about the DT’s applicability and effectiveness in addressing managerial challenges. This paper presents an interview-based qualitative study evaluating DT’s potential for solving wicked management problems. The study illuminates the dilemmas and peculiarities associated with applying DT in a management context. This paper offers novel insights into DT’s potential as a transformative tool in strategic management, bridging the gap between traditional management methods and design-led approaches to strategy formulation and implementation.