General Theory of Planning: Become Familiar with Wicked Problems
Have you ever felt so frustated on problems that you couldn’t find ways to solve? Have you experienced frustration when faced with seemingly unsolvable problems? Despite your efforts, new issues arise even after implementing solutions. One solution resolves one problem, yet others continue to emerge. In fact, we realize that not all challenges are created equal. While some problems are straightforward and lend themselves to clear-cut solutions, others can be complex, intricate, and resistant to conventional approaches. Perhaps sometimes you may face wicked problems when doing daily tasks. So, what is it? Before we begin, I would deliver a short background. I bet you will comprehend.
Several months ago, a group of friends and I engaged in a thoughtful discussion regarding policies that we believed were essential for the Indonesian government to implement in order to combat poverty. Initially, our debate was relatively straightforward, as we shared a common and personal belief that the government took significant risks when formulating economic policies and agreements. In reality, we had observed a growing trend of economic policies involving multiple countries taking a prominent role. As we delved deeper into the topic, our discussion became more intense and intricate as we posed questions and attempted to connect them with specific facts.
When discussing the economy and its relationship with poverty, we acknowledged the significant impact of education. It became apparent that a lack of education was closely linked to the prevalence of poverty in society. Moreover, we recognized the role of adequate nutrition in determining one’s health, which, in turn, affected education and poverty levels. We observed that individuals, particularly children and adults from low-income backgrounds, who faced nutritional deficiencies struggled to thrive academically. Consequently, poverty became not only a matter of how the government managed economic policies but also intertwined with other fundamental aspects of human life, such as education and biological nourishment, among potentially numerous others.
These complex problems often fall upon policymakers, who are confronted with the challenge of addressing multifaceted issues that seem overwhelming in scale. Consequently, these difficulties are either dismissed as too burdensome to tackle collectively or delegated to policymakers alone. This situation, where a problem is too complicated and linked with many aspects hardly solved, aligns with the concept of “wicked problems” introduced by Horst W. J. Rittel and Melvin M. Webber, two professors from the University of California, in 1973.
What is Wicked Problems?
Wicked problem is defined as problem that’s difficult or impossible to solve — normally because of its complex and interconnected nature. The nature of wicked problems defies easy solutions and with its lack clarity it grows into hindrances that tough to manage. Wicked problems often arise when organizations encounter continuous change or unprecedented challenges. These problems occur within a social context, and the more disagreement there is among stakeholders, the more wicked the problem becomes. It’s not only the technical difficulties but also the social complexities of wicked problems that make them difficult to handle.
However, the eminence of wicked problems are not merely occur within a wide social issues. In our everyday lives, there exist problems that often escape our recognition as being classified as wicked problems.
Here are some prominent cases of wicked problems distinguished by categories:
- Daily Personal Task:
- Balancing work-life commitments while maintaining personal well-being.
- Choosing a career path that aligns with your passions, values, and financial stability.
- Deciding on the best approach to manage time effectively between various personal responsibilities and commitments.
2. Work Task:
- Developing a marketing strategy that appeals to a diverse target audience with different preferences and needs.
- Addressing conflicts and communication issues within a team to foster a productive and collaborative work environment.
- Implementing organizational change while considering the impact on employee morale, resistance, and potential disruption.
3. Social Issues:
- Crafting policies and interventions to address income inequality and poverty, considering various systemic factors and social dynamics.
- Tackling climate change and finding sustainable solutions that balance economic growth, environmental impact, and social equity.
- Addressing complex social issues such as systemic racism, ensuring equity, justice, and inclusivity in all aspects of society.
Tamed/Benign Problems vs Wicked Problems
In their writing, Dilemma in a General Theory of Planning, Rittel and Webber, also mentioned a comparative aspects between wicked problems and the tamed/benign problems.
Benign/Tamed problem is defined as simple and easily solvable issue with clear goals, limited scope, and established problem-solving methods. Unlike Wicked Problems, Tamed/Benign Problems can be easier to solve with the application of correct equation and method. It’s the nature of benign problems that make them controllable to manage. Benign problems have well-defined goals with clear objectives, benign problems offer a more manageable terrain for problem-solving, enabling ways for people to provide solutions by creating systematic analysis and effective implementation of solutions (formulas and theories can be used).
The Characteristics of Benign Problems:
1. Clear Goals and Objectives: Benign problems have well-defined goals and objectives, making it easier to establish criteria for success. The desired outcome is usually evident, allowing for a focused problem-solving approach.
example: (An example of a clear goals and objectives is changing a flat tire. The goal is clear: to replace the punctured tire with a functional one. The objective is to safely remove the flat tire, install the spare tire, and ensure it is properly inflated.)
2. Limited Scope and Boundaries: These problems have a clear scope and defined boundaries, which helps in setting parameters for finding a solution. The limited number of variables involved simplifies the decision-making process.
example: (Changing a flat tire has a specific scope and defined boundaries. It focuses on the tire itself and the immediate tools and equipment required for replacement. The problem does not extend beyond the malfunctioning tire.)
3. Established Problem-Solving Methods: Benign problems can often be tackled using established problem-solving methods, such as analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and systematic approaches. There is usually a well-established body of knowledge and expertise available to guide problem-solving efforts.
example: (Fixing a flat tire is a benign problem that has been encountered by many drivers. There are well-established problem-solving methods, such as using a jack to lift the car, removing the lug nuts, replacing the tire, and tightening the lug nuts. These methods have been proven effective and widely documented.)
4. Linear Cause-and-Effect Relationship: Benign problems are characterized by a linear cause-and-effect relationship, where a direct solution leads to a desired outcome. This straightforward relationship makes it easier to identify and address the root cause of the problem.
example: (The cause-and-effect relationship in changing a flat tire is straightforward. The cause is a punctured or deflated tire, resulting in the effect of an immobile vehicle. By addressing the cause through tire replacement, the problem is resolved, and the car becomes operational again.)
In contrast to benign problems, wicked problems are complex and challenging to solve due to their interconnectedness nature. They possess a unique set of characteristics that make them particularly difficult to address.
The Characteristics of Wicked Problems:
- Unclear Goals and Objectives: Wicked problems often lack clear and agreed-upon goals and objectives. Multiple stakeholders may have conflicting interests and differing perceptions of the problem, making it challenging to define a universally acceptable outcome.
example: (Climate change is an example of a wicked problem. While the overarching goal is clear — to mitigate and adapt to climate change — the objectives to achieve this goal may vary depending on stakeholders and their priorities. There is no universally agreed-upon set of objectives for addressing climate change. Since it involves problems of world scale and interest.)
2. Complexity and Interconnectedness: Wicked problems are highly complex, with numerous interdependent factors and variables. The interactions and feedback loops among these elements create a web of complexities that defy straightforward analysis and solution finding.
example: (Climate change involves numerous interconnected factors, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, renewable energy, and international policies. These factors influence and interact with each other, creating a complex web of challenges that require comprehensive and coordinated approaches.)
3. Dynamic Nature: Wicked problems evolve over time, and their solutions must adapt accordingly. The interconnected nature of these problems means that any action taken to solve one aspect may have unintended consequences in other areas. It requires continuous learning, adaptation, and flexibility in problem-solving approaches.
example: (Climate change is a dynamic problem that evolves over time. The Earth’s climate system undergoes continuous changes due to natural and human-induced factors. Solutions to climate change must adapt to these evolving circumstances and account for emerging scientific knowledge and technological advancements.)
4. No Final Solution: Unlike benign problems, wicked problems do not have definitive solutions. Instead, they can only be managed, and solutions may need constant reassessment as circumstances change. The focus is on finding satisfactory and adaptive approaches rather than absolute resolutions.
example: (Climate change is an ongoing and complex issue without a definitive solution. It cannot be completely “solved” but rather managed and mitigated. Efforts focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable practices, and adapting to the changes already occurring. Success lies in continual progress and collaboration rather than achieving a final resolution.)
So, what to do?
After gaining knowledge about wicked problems and their inherent complexities, the next crucial step for us is to take action. We come to understand that many social issues, such as climate, inequality, political instability, death, or disease, are complex and challenging problems that cannot be easily solved. However, policy makers and designers have a significant role to play in addressing these issues by using their skills to minimize the harmful effects of these problems and guiding society towards more positive and preferable outcomes. Through their involvement in developing infrastructure and designing solutions, designers can contribute to mitigating the negative consequences of wicked problems and shaping a better future for society. This mitigation is not an easy, quick, or solitary path but I believe wicked problems can still be faced by navigating its challenges more effectively and work towards innovative and sustainable solutions.
Finally, allow me to share a thought-provoking quote to leave an impression on your mind. Cheers.
“In the depths of adversity, confronting our own wicked problems becomes the catalyst for personal growth and the key to unlocking our true potential..”
References
Rittel, H. W., & Webber, M. M. (1973). Dilemmas in a general theory of planning. Policy sciences, 4(2), 155–169.
Copyright, Fernando Ramadhan, 2023.
