Limitations

This paper is conceptual and does not empirically validate Cognitive Integrity. The propositions are theoretical and require future operationalization.

The paper also depends on the representation-network ontology of Correspondence Theory. Future research should test whether representation-network conditions can be observed and whether they relate to expected outcomes.

The construct may be difficult to measure because relevant cognition is partially tacit, distributed, and embedded in artifacts, routines, and systems. AI-mediated cognition may produce large volumes of trace data, but trace availability should not be mistaken for construct validity.

Finally, Cognitive Integrity does not explain all organizational performance. It may support adaptive capacity, decision quality, execution quality, and resilience, but performance is also shaped by resources, markets, regulation, leadership, institutional conditions, and chance.