REFLECTIONS ON STEPS IN ANALYTICAL PROBLEM SOLVING BY DEIRDRE CHUA

As what we have discussed in class, problems in organizations, no matter how big or small it may be, are inevitable. These problems may be internal or external problems, from communication problems, to employee problems, to customer relation problems.

Problem Solving is the way to solve problems, and it is a skill one has to learn. It isn’t as simple as it sounds. One has to plan action for the problem, back it up with reasons and facts. Most people just try solving a problem with the first solution that comes into mind because this is less time consuming, yet this is more ineffective than planning for action. Learning these steps to analytically solve problems is beneficial to us because we can apply it not only for organizational problems, but also for the daily problems we encounter.

As discussed in class, there are four steps to effectively solving a problem analytically. Each step is as valuable as the other because if a step were missing, then problem solving would not be successful. The first would be defining the problem explicitly and knowing every minute factual (differentiate from opinion) detail about it. To know and diagnose the real cause of the problem, and not just the symptoms and effects the problem brings about. In my opinion, this would be the most important step to problem solving, because without knowing what the problem is, one would not be able to solve it properly and effectively.

The second step is to generate short term and/or long alternatives. In my opinion, this step is important and has to be done by all individuals involved or is affected by the problem because this improves the solution’s quality, effectiveness, and acceptability. In this step, alternative solutions generated should be to solve the problem, in line with the organization’s mission and vision, and combined ideas from one another.

Evaluating Alternatives is the third step to problem solving. Here, evaluating the alternatives would mean weighing its direct and indirect effects, consequences, and advantages and disadvantages. In this step, everyone should be given the opportunity to voice out his or her opinion on the alternatives.

The fourth step to problem solving would be implementing the chosen solution. This would be most effective if the chosen solution was to be accepted by organizational members as a whole and executed in the right time, place, and manner.

SOURCE: Chapter 3: Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively