We address problem dimensions that you may believe are impenetrable or unchangeable, bringing them into the realm of choice, and help you understand the near- and longer-term consequences of opportunities and actions available to you.

 

 

Greer Black Company specializes in addressing Wicked Problems1.  You may have a Wicked Problem if your problem meets the following criteria:

 

·          The problem is an evolving set of interlocking issues and constraints

·          There is no single definitive statement of the problem

·          You don’t understand the problem until you have tried to develop a solution

·          Many stakeholders care about how the problem is resolved, making the problem solving process fundamentally social

·          Getting the “right answer” may be less important than obtaining the stakeholders’ acceptance of the emerging solution

·          Solution constraints (e.g. resources and political ramifications) change over time

·          Stakeholder constraints change due to: stakeholder turnover, changed opinions, failure to communicate, or other rule changes by which the problem must be solved

·          Since there is no definitive problem, there is no definitive solution

 

 

1 Rittel, H. and M. Webber; “Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning” pp 155-169, Policy Sciences, 4, 1973

 

 

 

© 2006 Greer Black Company / A Research & Consulting Corporation / 406.586.8522 / P. O. Box 3607, Bozeman, MT 59772-3607