ROC / STRATEGIC INQUIRY PRACTICE
When the problem is visible,
but the explanation is not.
ROC is an independent strategic inquiry practice. We investigate the human and organizational conditions behind complex business problems — and turn field evidence into sharper questions for strategy, product and technology decisions.
Navigating Uncertainty Levels
Identify Your Current Position and Strategic Response:
Level 1: Single View (Algorithm)
Features: Single perspective on the future
Approach: Represented by a straight line
Example: Strategy planning in predictable market conditions
Level 2: Limited Outcomes (Heuristic)
Features: Limited possible future outcomes
Approach: Represented by branching paths
Example: Strategy planning with a few possible scenarios
Level 3: Range of Outcomes (Heuristic)
Features: Range of possible future outcomes
Approach: Represented by diverging arrows
Example: Strategy planning with various predicted outcomes
Level 4: No Predictable Outcome (Mystery)
Features: No clear future outcomes
Approach: Represented by a circle with radiating lines
Example: Navigating highly volatile and unpredictable market conditions
Solutions We Provide
C-level Monthly Advising:
Tailored advice for senior executives to navigate complex challenges.
Project-based Business Issue Transformation and Insight:
Transform business issues into human-centered phenomena, providing deep insights through comprehensive field research.
6-session Online/Offline Courses:
In-depth educational programs designed to enhance strategic capabilities.
One-time Special Lectures:
Focused lectures on specific topics to address immediate business needs.
Our Methodology
Grounded in the human sciences—anthropology, sociology, investigative journalism, and philosophy—our methodology follows a comprehensive five-step process:
Framing
Activities: Dive into the client's world, understand the project topic, meet with various stakeholders, and prepare for ethnographic fieldwork.
Goal: Identify probing questions that could reshape the client's industry.
Discovery
Activities: Conduct immersive fieldwork to gather firsthand experiences and observations.
Goal: Gain deep insights into the client's environment and challenges.
Pattern Recognition
Activities: Analyze field data to identify patterns and themes.
Goal: Uncover underlying trends and insights that inform strategic decisions.
Insights Development
Activities: Develop actionable insights through intensive discussions and theoretical testing.
Goal: Prepare for workshops to present insights in a way that aligns with the client's world.
Recommendations
Activities: Translate insights into practical, strategic recommendations.
Goal: Provide clear directives for action that address the client's specific challenges and opportunities.
WHAT ORGANIZATIONS CAN SEE
Organizations often know what is happening.
Adoption is low.
A product is not landing.
A workflow keeps breaking.
A transformation stalls.
AI works in the demo but not in the organization.
WHAT THEY CANNOT YET EXPLAIN
Why does it keep happening?
Which explanation should we trust?
What are we not seeing?