How do I compare an existing approach with doing nothing different?
Quick answer
Describe the current approach as an active alternative, not as “no option.” Explain what is known about its ongoing effects, what may happen if it continues, and what remains uncertain. Then compare it with the proposed change using the same criteria and time frame. Support factual statements with evidence, label assumptions, and avoid presenting a possible future outcome as a certainty.
The question, the details, the next step.
I’m writing a comparison of a proposed change with our current approach. How do I include the option of doing nothing different without making it sound like a straw man?
Give the current approach its own fair description and evaluate it against the same criteria as the proposed change. “Do nothing different” usually means continuing existing activities and accepting their ongoing effects; it does not mean that nothing happens.
Start with what is actually in place: who uses the approach, what it involves, and what evidence describes its results or costs. Then say what continuing it would mean over a clearly stated period. Keep observed effects separate from predictions. For example, “In the last six months, staff spent about [documented hours] on [task]” is an observation if your records support it. “The time will keep increasing” is a forecast and needs separate justification.
Avoid loaded labels such as “outdated” or “doing nothing” unless you define and support them. A neutral heading such as “Continue the current approach” makes the alternative clear.
What should I count as evidence, and how do I show what I don’t know?
Use evidence that fits each claim: records for recorded time or spending, documented feedback for reported difficulties, and clearly described observations for how work is currently done. Identify the source and period in plain language—for example, “Based on [record or review] covering [dates].” If a claim comes from an estimate, label it as an estimate and explain the basis.
For uncertainty, state what is unknown and why it matters. You might write: “We do not yet have comparable figures for [measure], so the size of any difference is uncertain.” If you forecast what happens under either option, label it as a projection and state its assumptions, such as “if the current workload and process remain similar.” Do not imply that a projection is a measured result.
This approach clarifies what the available evidence can—and cannot—show.
How can I make the two alternatives comparable when the new approach has not been tried yet?
Choose shared criteria before describing which option looks better. Depending on your decision, these might include staff time, steps required, continuity, or the effort needed to introduce a change. Use the same time frame and define each measure consistently. If you have evidence for the current approach but only estimates for the proposed one, say so beside the relevant claims rather than presenting them as equally certain.
A compact section can follow this copyable pattern:
“Continue the current approach: [What happens now]. Evidence: [source and period]. Known ongoing effect: [documented effect]. If continued through [time frame], [carefully qualified expectation]. Uncertainty: [what is not known].
Make the proposed change: [What would change]. Evidence or estimate: [basis]. Expected effect: [qualified statement]. Uncertainty: [what is not known].
Comparison: Using [shared criteria], the main difference is [supported difference]. This comparison does not establish [important unknown].”
Fill every bracket with supported information. If you lack evidence, say so instead of inventing a number.
Can you show how that would look in a short example?
Here is a hypothetical example; the figures and records are placeholders, not findings:
“Continue the current approach: Staff currently enter requests in [existing tool] and summarize them in [existing report]. A review of [records] from [dates] found [documented number] duplicate entries. Continuing this process would retain the current steps. We do not know whether the duplicate-entry rate would change over the next year.
Use the proposed approach: The proposal would replace [specified step] with [proposed step]. The expected effect on duplicate entries is not yet measured. Any estimate depends on [assumption], which has not been verified.
Comparison: The current process is documented; the proposed process is not yet tested. The available information identifies a possible issue but does not establish how much the proposal would change it. Before deciding, compare both options using the same measure and time period.”
The example separates a known present condition from a future possibility. If you cannot support the claim about current effects either, remove it or mark it as something to investigate.
A practical checklist
Name the current approach as a genuine option and describe what continuing it entails.
For each factual claim, identify the supporting record, observation, or feedback and its time period.
Separate measured or observed effects from estimates and forecasts.
Compare both alternatives using the same criteria, definitions, and time frame.
State important unknowns and assumptions; do not fill evidence gaps with invented figures.
A few more useful answers
Should I call the status quo “doing nothing”?
Usually, describe it as continuing the current approach. That wording makes clear that existing activities and their effects would continue.
What if I have no reliable evidence about the current approach?
Say that the evidence is unavailable, identify what would help answer the question, and avoid claiming a specific effect. You can still describe the process you can verify.
Can I include a forecast for what happens if nothing changes?
Yes, if you label it as a forecast, explain its assumptions, and distinguish it from observed results. If the outcome is uncertain, say so directly.