2040's Ideas and Innovations Newsletter, Issue 54: Why Does Context Matter to Every Individual and Organization?

Context Comes From Knowing, Knowledge Determines Action

Why Does Context Matter to Every Individual and Organization?

Issue 54: May 5, 2022

In times of uncertainty and ambiguity, context is essential to providing clarity in communications and interpersonal relations – both personal and professional. It has become a challenge to understand others when there is an abundance of misinformation and personal spin on the facts. Even more confusing, history is recorded according to the historian’s context, which can be a highly personal interpretation. Worst case, the lack of context obscures information.

What does context have to do with organizational performance? First of all, one could argue that context is everything. Context is literally (according to Webster) the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed. Simply stated, context throws light on communications, situations, and plans, clarifying intentions and goals. Context can also be inspirational prompti…