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A General Problem Solving Approach for Wicked Problems: Theory and Application to Chemical Weapons Verification and Biological Terrorism

Author

Listed:
  • Richard W. Hutchinson

    (U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command)

  • Stephen L. English

    (U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command)

  • Mohamed A. Mughal

    (U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command)

Abstract

“Wicked” ill-defined problems such as violent crime, illegal drugs and terrorism may contain technical, economic, and political elements operating together as systems. Practical resolution requires “simple solutions” that are technically feasible, economically sustainable and politically implementable. Here we show an approach to achieve simple solutions to these problems. The approach was derived and tested in two experiments: first to develop verification measures for the Chemical Weapons Convention and subsequently to develop response concepts for biological terrorism. The approach's validity derives from its close relationship to the scientific method in objectively testing results, and its power is achieved by focusing a team of people directly on the problem of interest in the setting of a learning organization. The approach appears to provide access at will of the full human potential to resolve wicked problems and, thereby, yields a general problem solving tool of substantial power.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard W. Hutchinson & Stephen L. English & Mohamed A. Mughal, 2002. "A General Problem Solving Approach for Wicked Problems: Theory and Application to Chemical Weapons Verification and Biological Terrorism," Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer, vol. 11(4), pages 257-279, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:grdene:v:11:y:2002:i:4:d:10.1023_a:1015638832080
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1015638832080
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    Cited by:

    1. Lorraine Mazerolle & Adrian Cherney & Elizabeth Eggins & Lorelei Hine & Angela Higginson, 2021. "Multiagency programs with police as a partner for reducing radicalisation to violence," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(2), June.

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