Decision Making / 4 / 4.9 / 4.9.2

4.9.2 Tame Vs. Wicked Problems—Relationship Between Problem And Solution

Tame problems can be formulated separately from any notion of what their solution might be. Every formulation of a wicked problem corresponds to a statement of solution, and vice versa. Understanding the problem is synonymous with solving it.

Developing a detailed understanding of the nature of the problem, its structure and dynamic behaviour is an essential precursor to taking effective steps to finding a solution. This was demonstrated by the Black Hawk helicopter crash case study. That is just one example of a wicked problem. In Chapters 2 and 3, it was argued that there was no single direct course of action that would lead to a solution. If a solution had been effectively implemented, it may have averted the final tragic outcome, but there is no absolute guarantee here.

Further, there is the paradox mentioned earlier: had real understanding of the problem existed, and effective corrective action been routinely applied, there is no way that it could be known that tragedy had been averted.

The importance of producing understanding and learning as pre-conditions to developing an effective solution is now widely accepted (Coyle, 1996; Eden and Ackermann, 1998a; McLucas, 1998; 2001; Morecroft, 1992; Morecroft and Sterman, 1992; 1994; Roberts, et al., 1983; Sterman, 2000; Vennix, 1996). Further:

‘… it is important to place the [conceptual] modelling process in context with the ongoing activities of the people in the system. Modelling is a feedback process, not a linear sequence of steps … one will iterate through these steps many times (Homer, 1996). Most importantly, modelling is embedded in the larger cycle of learning and action taking place … (Sterman, 2000: 87-88).’