Wicked problems

Wicked’ is used in this book to describe complex, dynamic and systemic problem situations. Various authors have described wicked problems as insidious or growing like a cancer. When we become aware of them, we may find they are difficult to resolve. We might make what we believe to be a valid change, implement what appears to be rational and logical policy or strategy, only to find we still have problems. They change form, adapt, reorganise, and reappear as a mutation. The term ‘wicked’ is used in this book to describe systemic and dynamic risks that are confounding to manage.