Wicked problems: inescapable wickedity

Jordan, Michelle E.; Kleinsasser, Robert C.; Roe, Mary F.

doi:10.1080/02607476.2014.929381

Cited by 57 publications

(53 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…Under this circumstance, societal attitudes towards pollution become resultant of rational choice for selfinterests and societal uncertainty due to the lack of trust among societal sectors, often leading to the inconsistencies between the intention and the implementation, and the extreme difficulty in prioritizing as taking all trade-offs are taken into account. However, once pollution crises break out, the necessity of an immediate response is obvious, which is also called the situation of "inescapable wickedity" [43]. Only when all societal sectors hold the active attitude-such as to say that "I am motivated to be engaged in the abatement of pollution because it is part of my perceived identity and strongly held beliefs (I try to); I am also motivated to engage in sustainable activities on a regular basis (I really want to)"-can the wicked pollution get under control.…”

Section: Line 3)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Is the Environmental Kuznets Curve Still Valid: A Perspective of Wicked Problems

Chen

Tulder

2019

Sustainability

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Historically, academia has paid much attention to environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) associated hypotheses, and the EKC per se has triggered conflicting reactions since first posited. Yet, all controversies seem not to have any base framework to address further pollution-related strategies. Built upon an extensive critical review of the extant EKC literature, this paper attempts to address the gap by introducing the theory of wicked problems that can be used to reframe the extant EKC research. Integrating and synthesizing the theories and empirical findings of the extant EKC literature, this paper develops a conceptual framework (a research agenda), and suggests that, given humans' bound rationality and societal uncertainties, the EKC pattern may not be valid for the situations of more wicked pollution. Mainly focusing on this type of pollution, the paper contributes to the EKC study in proposing a set of causal relationships built upon the attitudes of societal sectors. The paper points to the necessity of distinguishing the less wicked pollution situations from the more wicked ones that require different practical and academic strategies to deal with. The former can be addressed along with economic growth, and the latter requires proactive attitudes, proactive leadership, and strong organization of societal sectors. In doing so, we hope to advance the conversation surrounding EKC studies and the abatement practice adaption. Contributions of this study and future research avenues for empirical verifications of the theory are then discussed.

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Section: Line 3)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Is the Environmental Kuznets Curve Still Valid: A Perspective of Wicked Problems

Chen

Tulder

2019

Sustainability

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“…For example, rather than viewing the unexpected as problematic, and hence to solve or circumvent, reflection on such aspects of process could be useful in the thinking and practice of curriculum reform. Using the wicked problem framework has the potential to enable stakeholders and leaders to develop a different kind of thinking and a language to talk about why a particular problem is so difficult and challenging, to create a path to select, examine and interrogate the issues with more clarity than might be the case currently [46]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Getting off the carousel: Exploring the wicked problem of curriculum reform

2017

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IntroductionMaking substantial changes to the form and delivery of medical education is challenging. One reason for this may be misalignment between existing conceptualizations of curricula and curriculum reform in medical education, with the former perceived as ‘complex’ yet the latter as linear. Reframing curriculum reform as a process-driven, complex entity may enhance the possibility of change. To explore the utility of this approach, we carried out an exploratory case study of curriculum reform in a real-life context.MethodsWe used a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected from 17 interviews with senior faculty involved in curriculum reform in one medical school plus document analysis of approximately 50 documents and files, to provide background, context, and aid triangulation.ResultsData coding and analysis was initially inductive, using thematic analysis. After themes were identified, we applied the ‘wicked problem’ framework to highlight aspects of the data. This paper focuses on two main analytic themes. First, that multiple players hold different views and values in relation to curriculum reform, resulting in various influences on the process and outcomes of reform. Second, ‘solutions’ generate consequences which go beyond the anticipated advantages of curriculum reform.DiscussionThis is the first empirical study of curriculum reform in medical education which uses the wicked problem framework to conceptually illuminate the complex processes which occur in relation to reform. Those involved in reform must be reflective and attentive to the possibility that persistent and emerging challenges may be a result of wicked problems.

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“…characteristics, is unique, poorly defined, has many stakeholders with potentially conflicting values, and has no single correct solution. Addressing a wicked problem requires the practitioner to continually monitor what is happening, to continue to consult with stakeholders, to work with others to make sense of the problem, and to adapt behaviours and actions to reflect the current situation (Jordan et al 2014).…”

Section: Assessment Design As a 'Wicked' Problemmentioning

confidence: 99%