Tackling Wicked Problems

If you have not yet come across the distinction between tame and wicked problems, then you will find it a useful distinction to become aware of. The authors define a wicked problem as 'a complex issue that defies complete definition, for which there can be no final solution, since any solution generates further issues, and where solutions are not true or false or good or bad, but the best that can be done at the time.' This is what Karl Popper would have referred to as unintended consequences, but he was not yet thinking in systemic terms. Wicked problems are also a central concern of the writings of Don Michael, also reviewed in this section. Indeed, that book is a better place to start as this book is written primarily for academics to encourage a greater degree of transdisciplinary analysis and action. The contributors explain both ideas and practice, much of which focuses on particular modes of enquiry. The importance of this volume lies in its highlighting of the range of wicked problems that we currently face, which also imply a crisis of governance if we fail to understand them properly - in which case our policies and actions are also likely to fail.