SIX THINKING HATS

• Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2006). The link between competitive advantage and corporate social responsibility.

Black Hatis the basis of logical, critical thinking offering careful, cautious, and defensive insights. When representing the black hat, point out what is wrong; why it might not work; what are the dangers, problems, and obstacles; what are the deficiencies in the thinking process.

Key points about the Black Hat perspective

• Explores why an idea may not work.
• Must give logical reasons for concerns.
• Points out difficulties.

Questions to think about when adopting the Black Hat perspective to review an article.

• What will happen if we take this action?
• What can go wrong if we proceed with this idea or implement this suggestion?
• What are the weaknesses that we need to overcome?
• How does this "fit" with our (or other's) experience, policy, strategy, values, ethics, and resources?
• How will people respond?
• Will it work, be profitable, be acceptable?

Discuss your case from the perspective of the black hat.