Sensemaking in Project Management
Modern projects are implemented in conditions of uncertainty, complexity and high dynamics, where traditional approaches to management may be insufficient to explain the reasons for success or failure. In these conditions, the process of sensemaking becomes particularly important — active comprehension by participants of what is happening, formation of a common understanding and adaptation to a changing reality. The article considers sensemaking as a methodological tool in project management that allows analysing the processes of interpretation, collective reflection and coordination of meanings. The author relies on classical and modern researches, revealing how sensemaking helps to manage risks, determine the success of a project taking into account the perception of stakeholders, eliminate cultural barriers in distributed teams and comprehend strategic development in the context of digitalization. Special attention is paid to prospective sensemaking — comprehension of the future, formation of projective meanings and flexible goal management. The work emphasizes the applied potential of the method, its ability to complement traditional project management tools by taking into account the human factor, and suggests directions for further development. Sensemaking is presented as a valuable resource for both researchers and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of project work in today's turbulent environment.
Authors
- E. Ilyina
Institutions
- Far Eastern Federal University (RU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Scientific Research and Development Russian Journal of Project Management
- Published
- 2025-12-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.12737/2587-6279-2025-14-4-13-19
- Primary Topic
- Education and Professional Development
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00