What are mental models?

• A. A set of beliefs about how work should be organized
• B. A data modeling technique used to forecast demand
• C. A framework for decision making in strategy
• D. Deeply ingrained assumptions that determine what employees think

Answer: (D)

Mental models are deeply ingrained assumptions that shape what people think and how they interpret the world. These internal representations influence what employees notice, how they frame problems, which options they see as plausible, and what actions they ultimately take. In strategy, they drive judgments about risk and opportunity and can either enable learning or reinforce bias. Because mental models are often tacit, groups with the same data can reach different conclusions, and change can be resisted if it conflicts with these underlying beliefs. The other descriptions describe external beliefs about organization, a planning tool, or a decision framework, rather than the internal cognitive lenses that govern thinking and behavior.