Abstract
Three general types of problems entail different strategies. Continuing to seek solutions to “tame problems” when we face “messes,” let alone “wicked problems,” is potentially catastrophic hence fundamentally irresponsible. In our turbulent times, it is therefore becoming a strategic necessity to learn how to solve the right problems.
Successful problem solving requires finding the right solution to the right problem. We fail more often because we solve the wrong problem than because we get the wrong solution to the right problem. Russell Ackoff (1974).
But then, you may agree that it becomes morally objectionable for the planner to treat a wicked problem as though it were a tame one, or to tame a wicked problem prematurely, or to refuse to recognize the inherent wickedness of social problems. Rittel and Webber (1973).
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ackoff, R. L.: 1974,Redesigning the Future: A Systems Approach to Societal Problems (John Wiley & Sons, New York).
Bateson, G.: 1979,Mind and Nature: A Necessary Unity (E. P. Dutton, New York).
Bellah, R., R. Madsen, W. M. Sullivan, A. Swidler and S. M. Tipton: 1991,The Good Society (Alfred A. Knopf, New York).
Berry, T. H.: 1991,Managing the Total Quality Transformation (McGraw-Hill, New York).
Bono, E. de: 1985,Six Thinking Hats (Penguin Books, New York).
Campbell, J.: 1987, ‘Introduction: The Hero's Journey’,The World of Joseph Campbell: Transformations of Myth Through Time (Mythology Ltd.).
Covey, S. R.: 1989,The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Restoring the Character Ethic (Simon & Schuster, New York).
De Greene, K. B.: 1990 (Sep), ‘Contextual Aspects of Human Factors: The Case for Paradigm Shift’,Human Factors Society Bulletin 33, pp. 1–3.
Douglas, M. and A. Wildavsky: 1982,Risk and Culture: An Essay on the Selection of Technical and Environmental Dangers (University of California Press, Berkeley).
Douglas, M.: 1986,How Institutions Think (Syracuse University Press, Syracuse).
Drexler, K. E.: 1986,Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology (Doubleday, New York).
Drucker, P.: 1989,The New Realities (Harper & Row, New York).
Geertz, C.: 1973,The Interpretation of Cultures (Basic Books, New York).
Harding, J.: 1990 (July), ‘Reactor Safety and Risk Issues’,Contemporary Policy Issues 8, pp. 94–105.
Hunter, J. D.: 1991,Culture Wars: The Struggle to Define America (Basic Books, New York).
Illich, I.: 1974,Energy and Equity (Harper & Row, New York).
Jacobs, J.: 1961,The Death and Life of Great American Cities (Random House, New York).
King, J.: 1989, ‘Confronting Chaos’,Journal of Business Ethics 7, pp. 29–40.
Krauthammer, C.: 1991 (June 17), ‘Saving Nature, But Only for Man’,Time, p. 82.
Kristol, I.: 1978, ‘Where Have All the Answers Gone?’,Think, pp. 12–14.
Lakoff, G. and M. Johnson: 1980,Metaphors We Live By (University of Chicago Press).
MacIntyre, A.: 1981,After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory (University of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame).
Medvedev, G.: 1991,The Truth About Chernobyl (Trans. Evelyn Rossiter) (Basic Books, New York).
Michael, D. N.: 1985 (Apr), ‘With Both Feet Planted Firmly in Mid-Air: Reflections on Thinking About the Future’,Futures, pp. 94–103.
Perrow, C.: 1984,Normal Accidents: Living With High-Risk Technologies (Basic Books, New York).
Reason, J.: 1990, ‘The Contribution of Latent Human Failures to the Breakdown of Complex Systems’,Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (Series B)327, pp. 475–484.
Rittel, H. W. J. and M. M. Webber: 1973, ‘Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning’,Policy Sciences 4, pp. 155–159.
Senge, P. M.: 1990,The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of The Learning Organization (Doubleday, New York).
Simon, J. L.: 1981,The Ultimate Resource (Princeton University Press, Princeton).
Taguchi, G. and D. Clausing: 1990 (Jan–Feb), ‘Robust Quality’,Harvard Business Review, pp. 65–75.
Thurow, L.: 1980,The Zero-Sum Society: Distribution and the Possibilities for Economic Change (Basic Books, New York).
Toffler, A.: 1990,Powershift: Knowledge, Wealth, and Violence at the Edge of the 21st Century (Bantam Books, New York).
Weick, K.: 1979,The Social Psychology of Organizing (Random House, New York).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Jonathan King is Associate Professor of Management at the College of Business at Oregon State University. His primary research interests are in the areas of moral philosophy and modern technology. His most important publications are ‘Confronting Chaos’ and ‘Common Knowledge of the Second Kind’,Journal of Business Ethics (1989).
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
King, J.B. Learning to solve the right problems: The case of nuclear power in America. J Bus Ethics 12, 105–116 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00871930
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00871930