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Did you know? Every 'wicked problem' is a unique challenge!
In today's complex and ever-changing society, "wicked problems" are everywhere, and they are often considered difficult or even unsolvable. This type of problem is unique in that it has incomplete, contradictory, and changing demands that are not easily identifiable. From global climate change to social injustice, each nasty problem presents a unique challenge.
The key concept in wicked problems is that they cannot be addressed with a single solution, but rather require a comprehensive, multifaceted solution strategy.
Characteristics of a malicious problem
According to Horst Rittel and Melvin M. Webber in 1973, the ten characteristics of a wicked problem include:
- There is no clear definition.
- There are no clear rules for pauses.
- Solutions are not true or false, but better or worse.
- There are no immediate or final criteria for testing solutions.
- Each solution is a one-shot operation.
- There are no enumerable potential solutions.
- Every toxic problem is unique.
- Every toxic problem can be seen as a symptom of another problem.
- The question can be interpreted in many ways.
- Social planners should not have the right to be wrong.
Examples of malicious questions
Classic examples of wicked problems include economic, environmental, and political issues. These issues often require large-scale changes in mindsets and behaviors, and include global climate change, natural disasters, and health care.
Problems that feed into social design are often seen as wicked problems because they do not necessarily have clear solutions or definitions.
Strategies for solving vicious problems
For malicious problems, traditional sequential solution methods are not applicable due to the lack of clear problem definition. According to Nancy Roberts in 2000, methods of dealing with toxic problems include:
- Authoritative strategy: A small number of people are responsible for solving problems, although this may limit the participation of different perspectives.
- Competitive strategies: Find the best solution through discussion of opposing viewpoints, but the competition process may inhibit knowledge sharing.
- Collaborative strategy: Work together with all stakeholders to find the best solutions and enhance information sharing.
Communication issues
Another key to solving wicked problems is Problem Structuring Methods (PSMs), which are often developed to facilitate multi-party collaboration, consensus-building, or negotiation.
Communication plays a vital role in solving wicked problems because different stakeholders may have different perspectives on the same issue.
Related concepts
In addition to wicked problems, there are also "super wicked problems" such as global climate change, which continue to be affected while finding solutions.
Thoughts and Prospects
Whether in social planning, environmental protection or other fields, the existence of wicked problems reminds us that solving these complex challenges requires multi-level thinking and innovative solutions. So, facing the challenges of the future, can we find appropriate ways to deal with these unique and vicious problems?
