Sensemaking Challenges in Dealing with Social Issues within and across Organisations

This study synthesises existing research to explore the challenges organisations face in sensemaking when addressing complex social issues. Drawing on a qualitative meta-synthesis of empirical studies published between 2004 and 2024, the research identifies two primary categories of sensemaking challenges: cognition-based and action-based. Cognition-based challenges involve emotional influences, unconscious defence mechanisms, and contextual uncertainty, all of which can impair individuals' capacity to process information and interpret crucial sensemaking cues. Action-based challenges centre on logistical difficulties, including coordination barriers, fragmented knowledge flows, and resource constraints that impede collective action. By categorising and analysing these challenges, this research provides theoretical insights and practical recommendations to enhance organisational sensemaking in addressing societal problems.