# Understanding Complex Problems

![Adapted from Zimmerman, Westley, & Quinn Patton. Getting to Maybe, 2006 as cited in Weinlick & Velji, Social Innovation Field Guide, Think Jar Collective. https://thinkjarcollective.com/tools/social-innovation-lab-field-guide/](https://3096219282-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LaRNBxYCwJtHxSBVQL5%2F-LlDSEwW5zfqNGFdtjIF%2F-LlDndhKUJAbznE6-N6I%2FScreen%20Shot%202019-08-01%20at%204.09.10%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=4fdb6be9-999c-456f-9eb6-f238d80799e2)

## What are 'complex problems' anyway? They are:

* Difficult to address and change with every attempt to address it
* Involve many stakeholders with different values and priorities
* Have causes and drivers that are interdependent and filled with uncertainties
* Are unique and have no precedent
* Do not have definitive criteria or indications for the right solutions

*Adapted from Camillus, Harvard Business Review.* [*Strategy as a Wicked Problem*](https://hbr.org/2008/05/strategy-as-a-wicked-problem)*, 2008.*

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We are surrounded by problems that are complex. Think of declining species or the warming of our oceans, rising housing costs, socio-economic inequality and the list goes on. \
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What complex problems are you working on, and how are you learning about them? 
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### **Three Perspectives to Understanding a Problem** 

There are three perspectives to understanding a problem; individual, institutional, and systemic. 

![Source: MaRS Solutions Lab ](https://3096219282-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LaRNBxYCwJtHxSBVQL5%2F-LfuP8fme1M89AOIT4oZ%2F-LfuSoiGLhCgz_J-gx3P%2FPerspectives%202.png?alt=media\&token=79eaa6c2-8517-4449-9829-58df40234911)

A systems perspective helps us see the complexity of a challenge, to identify who is or needs to be involved and to decide where to develop particular actions.

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### Key Resources

David Snowden. *Cynefin Framework Introduction.* <http://cognitive-edge.com/videos/cynefin-framework-introduction/>&#x20;
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