Making sense of commonsense: unpacking its nomological network through scientometrics
Authors: Prasad Milin Rakesh , Lim Weng Marc , Donthu Naveen , G. Naresh 
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to establish an understanding of commonsense, a valuable mechanism for navigating disruptive, volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (DVUCA) environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a scientometric (bibliometric) analysis of commonsense through the lens of tacit knowledge, practical intelligence and sensemaking to unpack is nomological network.

Findings

This study reveals that tacit knowledge, practical intelligence and sensemaking are pivotal to the conceptualization of commonsense, crucial for navigating DVUCA environments. These elements interact within organizational contexts, influencing knowledge dynamics, decision-making processes and ethical leadership. The findings not only affirm the foundational role of these components in commonsense but also highlight their interplay in fostering organizational resilience, adaptability and strategic agility. This synergy underlines commonsense as a multifaceted and dynamic capability essential for effective management and leadership in complex settings.

Research limitations/implications

This study significantly enriches the theoretical landscape of commonsense by mapping its components within a scientometric-established nomological network. By identifying the interconnected roles of tacit knowledge, practical intelligence and sensemaking in organizational settings, it invites future scholarly endeavors to further dissect these relationships. It also encourages the exploration of additional elements such as emotional intelligence and cultural factors that may influence commonsense. This research opens new avenues for examining how these foundational aspects can be systematically nurtured and developed within diverse organizational environments.

Practical implications

This study provides actionable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers. Understanding the critical roles that tacit knowledge, practical intelligence and sensemaking play in navigating complex environments can guide the enhancement of training and development programs to strengthen these capacities. The importance of fostering a culture that supports continuous learning and ethical leadership is emphasized, as these elements are essential for sustaining competitive advantage and ensuring responsible governance. Managers are encouraged to integrate structured sensemaking processes and practical intelligence into strategic decision-making to improve adaptability and resilience when facing DVUCA challenges and opportunities.

Originality/value

This study offers a pioneering exploration of commonsense through the integration of tacit knowledge, practical intelligence and sensemaking into a cohesive framework. Employing scientometric analysis, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of how these cognitive processes interact to facilitate decision-making and problem-solving in complex environments. The study enriches knowledge management by presenting a refined perspective on the interplay between these elements, deepening the understanding of how commonsense is generated and applied within organizational settings. This contribution significantly enhances theoretical discourse on adaptability, decision-making and resilience in DVUCA environments.