Characteristics Of Problem Solving

” As you can see, the problem question is more complex than the problem statement, since the group has moved on to more in-depth discussion of the problem during step 2. It is perfectly OK for a group member to question another person’s idea by asking something like “What do you mean? ” Discussions at this stage may reveal a need to return to previous steps to better define or more fully analyze a problem.Since many problems are multifaceted, it is necessary for group members to generate solutions for each part of the problem separately, making sure to have multiple solutions for each part.A small group formed to investigate ethical violations of city officials could use the following problem statement: “Our state does not currently have a mechanism for citizens to report suspected ethical violations by city officials.” During this step a group should analyze the problem and the group’s relationship to the problem.

While these three general elements are present in each problem, the group should also address specific characteristics of the problem.Group members may also want to begin setting out an agenda or timeline for the group’s problem-solving process, looking forward to the other steps.To fully analyze the problem, the group can discuss the five common problem variables discussed before.The problem-solving process involves thoughts, discussions, actions, and decisions that occur from the first consideration of a problematic situation to the goal.The problems that groups face are varied, but some common problems include budgeting funds, raising funds, planning events, addressing customer or citizen complaints, creating or adapting products or services to fit needs, supporting members, and raising awareness about issues or causes.Stopping the solution-generating process prematurely can lead to groupthink.For the problem question previously posed, the group would need to generate solutions for all three parts of the problem included in the question.Five common and important characteristics to consider are task difficulty, number of possible solutions, group member interest in problem, group member familiarity with problem, and the need for solution acceptance.As you read through the steps in the process, think about how you can apply what we learned regarding the general and specific elements of problems.See the license for more details, but that basically means you can share this book as long as you credit the author (but see below), don't make money from it, and do make it available to everyone else under the same terms.This content was accessible as of December 29, 2012, and it was downloaded then by Andy Schmitz in an effort to preserve the availability of this book.