Table 2 The operational definition of the ST skills instrument (Jaradat et al. 2017)

Level of complexity: Comfort with multidimensional problems and limited system understanding

Complexity (C) Expect uncertainty, work on multidimensional problems, prefer a working solution, and explore the surrounding environment

Level of autonomy: Balance between local-level autonomy versus system integration

Integration (G) Preserve global integration, tend more to a dependent decision and global performance

Level of interaction: Interconnectedness in coordination and communication among multiple systems

Interconnectivity (I) Inclined to global interactions, follow a general plan, work within a team, and interested less in identifiable cause-effect relationships

Level of change: Comfort with rapidly shifting systems and situations

Tolerant of change (Y) Prefer taking multiple perspectives into consideration, underspecify requirements, focus more on external forces, like long-range plans, keep options open, and work best in a changing environment

Level of uncertainty: Acceptance of unpredictable situations with limited control

Emergence (E) React to situations as they occur, focus on the whole, comfortable with uncertainty, believe the work environment is difficult to control, enjoy subjectivity and non-technical problems

Level of hierarchical view: Understanding system behavior at the whole versus part level

Holism (H) Focus on the whole, interested more in the big picture, interested in concepts and abstract meaning of ideas

Level of flexibility: Accommodation of change or modifications in systems or approach

Flexibility (F) Accommodating to change, like a flexible plan, open to new ideas, and unmotivated by routine