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Why do "vicious problems" leave the brightest minds helpless?
In today's complex society, "wicked problems" have become one of the biggest challenges facing policymakers and social scientists. Not only are these problems difficult to solve, they often overwhelm even the brightest minds due to conflicting demands and ever-changing circumstances. Why, after all, are these issues so difficult? What are their characteristics? Next, we’ll dive into these issues and the reasons behind them.
"Vicious problems are challenges that cannot be completely solved because the needs of such problems are often not only contradictory but also change over time."
Definition and characteristics of vicious problems
In 1973, Horst Rittel and Melvin M. Webber formally proposed the concept of "vicious problem" for the first time. They point out that the existence of these problems makes the solution often more complex than the problem itself. They describe in detail ten characteristics of malignant problems, including:
- Unable to reach a clearly defined vicious problem.
- Vicious problems have no end rule.
- The solution to a vicious problem is not absolutely right or wrong, but good or bad.
- There is no immediate or final test of the solution to the vicious problem.
- Each solution is a one-time operation because there is no opportunity for trial and error.
- Every vicious problem is unique.
- Each pernicious problem can be viewed as a symptom of other problems.
- The way a problem is interpreted determines the nature of its solution.
- Social planners have no right to make mistakes because they are held accountable for their actions.
Examples of vicious problems
Common examples of pernicious problems include economic, environmental and political challenges. For example, global climate change, public health challenges (such as AIDS and influenza epidemics), and social injustice are all regarded as vicious problems. Solving these problems often requires changes in the mindset and behavior of a large number of people.
"The complexity of these problems makes it difficult for even the most astute team of experts to identify clear solutions."
The background and causes of vicious problems
D. West Churchman once conducted an in-depth analysis of this concept and pointed out that the existence of "vicious problems" stems from situations in social policies that cannot be fully addressed by scientific and engineering methods. These problems often involve multiple stakeholders with varying perspectives on the problem and solutions, rendering any simple scientific solution ineffective. Additionally, these questions are characterized by:
- Dependencies between problem framing and solution.
- Diversity of perspectives among different stakeholders.
- Problems and the constraints and resources required to solve them change over time.
- Problems often cannot be solved with certainty.
Strategies for solving vicious problems
Traditional problem-solving methods cannot deal with vicious problems because these problems are not clearly defined and in most cases cannot be solved one by one along linear steps. Nancy Roberts proposed several strategies for dealing with vicious problems in 2000:
- Delegation Strategy: This type of strategy simplifies a problem by placing responsibility for solving it on a few people, but can lead to potential perspectives being overlooked.
- Competitive strategy: This strategy pits opposing viewpoints against each other to find the best solution, but can create barriers to knowledge sharing.
- Collaboration strategy: Engaging a broad range of stakeholders to discuss issues and seek consensus promotes a strong information-sharing environment, but takes time to build consensus.
Communication and collaboration on vicious issues
Good communication is crucial when dealing with toxic issues. Research shows that problem structuring methods (PSMs), which often involve groups working together to reach agreement amid complexity, conflict and uncertainty, can help achieve consensus among diverse stakeholders. Effective collaboration in this approach not only improves communication but also increases problem-solving efficiency.
"The best way to solve vicious problems is usually not to seek the ultimate solution, but to continue intervention and adjustment."
Conclusion
Overall, the complexity of vicious problems makes them one of the most challenging problems in modern society. As social issues evolve, the understanding and treatment of these issues must be constantly updated and adjusted. How to use different strategies and different perspectives to face these problems will become a topic that future scholars and practitioners need to explore in depth. So, what do you think is the most important strategy when facing a vicious problem?
