Problem Solving

Problem solving

• is an ability that is absolutely imperative every person must have in order to survive/cope every ordeal in life.
• In the organizational context, it is the manager’s job to tackle on the problems.
• If the organization has no problems, managerial positions wouldn’t be needed anymore.

There are guidelines and tactics for enhancing one’s knack for problem solving. Two kinds of problem solving are given—analytical and creative. In order to be efficient, managers need to know how to deal with problems analytically and creatively.

Tackling problems are best solved in key steps for analytical problem solving. Of course, the usual action that a manager would do is to act upon the first rational decision that would cross his/her mind. However, that being said, the first solution the manager would come up with may not be the most appropriate one. Most people would just pick a mediocre solution, rather than the most favorable one.

“Shortcuts in analytical problem solving by managers and entrepreneurs, they argue, have had a major negative effect on company survival” (Goll & Rasheed, 1997).

The most efficient analytical problem solving is a procedure that relies on a systematic and logical structure which contains four steps and characteristics, which are all stated in the following:

Four Steps in Analytical Problem Solving:

• Defining the problem
• Generate alternative solutions
• Evaluate and select an alternative
• Implement and follow up on the solution

Characteristics:

• Differentiate fact from opinion
• Specify underlying causes
• Tap everyone involved for information
• State the problem explicitly
• Identify what standard is violated
• Determine whose problem it is
• Avoid stating the problem as a disguised solution
• Postpone evaluating alternatives
• Be sure all involved individuals generate alternatives
• Specify alternatives that are consistent with goals
• Specify both short-term and long-term alternatives
• Build on others’ ideas
• Specify alternatives that solve the problem
• Evaluate relative to an optimal standard
• Evaluate systematically
• Evaluate relative to goals
• Evaluate main effects and side effects
• State the selected alternative explicitly
• Implement at the proper time and in the right sequence
• Provide opportunities for feedback
• Engender acceptance of those who are affected
• Establish an ongoing monitoring system
• Evaluate based on problem solution

In the four steps to analytical problem solving, the first one is to define the problem. In defining the problem, there are six factors to be considered:

• Factual information should be separated from biased views, opinions and hunches. Data based on objectivity is segregated from perceptions and assumptions.
• Broad participation of individuals are encouraged, and the participants are treated as information sources.
• The problem is stated clearly. This alleviates any confusion in the definition.
• The problem definition recognizes the standard that has been violated.
• The problem definition must answer the question “whose problem is this?” Problems are dependent on people, and are always associated with the latter.
• The definition is not a disguised solution. The statement “the problem is that we need to motivate slow employees” is inappropriate because the problem is stated as a solution.

Reflection:
Occupying the managerial position is not an easy job to hold accountable for. Managers not only have the tedious task of making decisions for the organization, direct orders for the entire staff, evaluate work performances, and oversee the logistics and actions of the whole organization, but also, they hold the key to solve problems in the organization. But this is no easy problem solving; managers have to solve problems either analytically or creatively, depending on which solution will suit the problem and the situation better for a more successful, favorable result.

Source:
Cummings, Thomas and Christopher Worley. ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT & CHANGE. 8th edition

http://books.google.com.ph/books?id=ljrRb9kXPrwC&pg=PA18&lpg=PA18&dq=Characteristics+of+problem+solving:++++++*+Differentiate+fact+from+opinion+++++*+Specify+underlying+causes&source=bl&ots=YMNhjSJQ9W&sig=K7xGkyaEpT_Iawb81fFkQZUgqXQ&hl=tl&ei=eZZ3TMqZDoWsvgPRnPHXCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false