“The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing,”

-Archilochus ¹

The Hedgehog and Fox Cognitive Style Theory

It is quite astounding that sometimes just a person’s phrase gets to turn into a theory someday. Based on Archilochus’ famous quote, Isaiah Berlin suggested in his work “The Hedgehog and the Fox” (1953), that people can be divided into foxes or hedgehogs ¹. Some psychologists posited that this theory helps people to understand their decision-making style, attitude, problem-solving style and forecasting skill ⁴. In a study by Philip Tetlock (2006) ⁴, Tetlock was able to evaluate cognitive styles of experts using personality tests and subsequently classify them as foxes or hedgehogs. It was found that foxes can make better forecasts than hedgehogs. So do you think that you are a fox or hedgehog?

Hedgehog Characteristics

Hedgehogs are usually specialists that dwell great deal of time in few great issues to know them through and through ⁴. Being a stalwart person, hedgehogs prefers to stick to the same approach and always refine new information to match with their original ideas ⁴. As they are also ideological, hedgehogs often expect solutions to be devolved from a grand theory ⁴. They are also organized individuals that are goal oriented, possess clear rules and always strive for clarity and control ¹. In relation to that, hedgehogs usually prefer to work in structured environments where information are easily classified and managed ¹. Basically, situations involving yes-no or right-wrong decisions are what favored by hedgehogs ¹. However, due to such preferences, hedgehogs are usually uncomfortable with uncertainty and may have hard time accepting information that does not match their way of thinking ¹.

Fox Characteristics

Despite their metaphors for being cunning, foxes are actually ‘Jacks of all trades’. They are multidisciplinary and are always welcoming of different approaches and ideas ⁴. Due to that preference, foxes are highly adaptable people that can be tolerant of uncertainties and complexities ⁴. As they are more to empirical approaches, foxes believe in observation more than theory ⁴. They also prefer statistical and qualified information. Foxes propensity to accept multiple ideas and ability to work in uncertainties may also be their downfall. This is because foxes may experience information overload and confusion that may hinder their ability to communicate or act adequately ¹.

The Hedgehog Concept

Building on the hedgehog characteristics put forth by Berlin, Collins in his book ‘Good to Great’ introduced the Hedgehog Concept that he posited to be the key to success for organizations and professionals ³. The foundation of this concept is based on the specialist characteristic of hedgehogs. The analogy is that hedgehogs only need to use their spiny hairs for protection. Hedgehogs do not need multiple strategies and that their one specialized strategy is easy to employ yet very effective ³. Collins argues that it is very crucial for organizations to identify their Hedgehog Concept to be competitive in the corporate arena and social sectors ³. Howbeit, it should be reminded that this concept is applicable not only to organizations, but it can also act as guides for career choices and self-development. Johnson posited that the Hedgehog concept can help to pinpoint and support the primary reason for our existence ³.

The Hedgehog Concept contains three components: passion, expertise, and resource engine ².

Passion. The question here that you should ask yourself is: What am I deeply passionate about ⁵? Passion is something that excites you greatly. It is an innate motivation that helps to push us through trying times ⁵. It is widely agreed upon that when you are passionate about something, you are very less likely to give up. Hence, discovery, exploration and reflection are needed for this part, whether it be for career, oneself or organization. Collins posited that it is always better to pursue goals that the workforce or the individual is passionate about rather than trying to develop the passion for what is being done ². This is because, no doubt, the latter is much difficult than the first. It is also said that passion is a process and not an end goal ⁵ because passion may require the combination of many things like achievements and self-confidence.

Expertise. The question here that you should ask yourself is: What am I best at ⁵? It is claimed that it is imperative for an organization, or an individual, to discover, examine and understand one’s area of expertise ². According to Khuon, one’s expertise can be something one is genetically inclined to or naturally talented in ⁵. It can also be something that you can develop through practice. However, before one should determine one’s career path or ready to sell products, one should be specific and narrow down the things that one is good at so that things can look clearer ⁵.

Resource engine. For this third component, the definition is rather diverse as it can mean differently for different circumstances. According to Ginzburg et al., drivers of an organization’s resource engine are what enables the organization to support its goals and aims ². Hence, for the organizational and social sector, it was posited that the resource engines may include time, finance, infrastructure and reputation or branding ². As for individuals who are trying to develop themselves and their career, resources that should be noted may include personal savings, experiences, network and social support (friends and family). Some people may also interpret this component to mean marketability ⁵, where the question would most likely sound something like: What will other people pay you for? Khuon posited that a skill is marketable if it can help others in solving their problems and add values into their lives ⁵. So, it is always wise to identify the people that need your skills before venturing into a career ⁵.

Written by: Ryan Wong (Aizen) (MPS Psychological Services Intern)

Supervisor: Mr. Liang Yaw Wen

References:

1. Gabay, R. (2018). Breaking the wall between business and design—Becoming a hedgefox. Design Management Journal, 13(1), 30-39. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmj.12043
2. Ginzburg, S. B., Willey, J. M., Bates, C., Santen, S. A., Battinelli, D., & Smith, L. (2019). Applying the hedgehog concept to transform undergraduate medical education. Academic Medicine, 94(4), 477-481. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000002564
3. Johnson, T. (2014). Learning to play: A “hedgehog concept” for physical education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 85(3), 32-38. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2014.875805
4. Kantowitz, B. H., Roediger III, H. L., & Elmes, D. G. (2014). Experimental psychology (10^th). Cengage Learning
5. Khuon, T. (2014, July 3). The Personal Hedgehog Concept 2.0: Discover What You’re Meant to Do. Agile Lifestyle. http://agilelifestyle.net/the-personal-hedgehog-concept