Some say your problems grow as you get older. My daughter just learned to ride her bike, and it reminded me of how challenging it felt when I was little. Now, I’m still learning how to raise a child, which is a completely different level. Riding a bike is a complicated problem; raising a child is a complex one. In the public sector, the problems are different too. In this blog, I focus on complex problems like climate change or child malnutrition, and I share a tool to help you solve them.
Complicated vs Complex Problems
In the public sector, as in life, there are different types of problems.
Imagine you oversee the building of a daycare. You need to find the right company with the technical skills and experience in that type of construction, the financial resources, and the human resources to oversee the project. With the right resources, there is a clear linear solution, and the outcome is predictable. Building a daycare (like riding a bike in my story) is a complicated problem.
Now, if your job is to ensure the kids at that center are not malnourished, then that’s a different story. The solution in this case is not as straightforward. The problem is multisectoral and requires multiple stakeholders, including their parents, to be solved. The solution is unknown, not linear, and multiple iterations are needed. Child malnutrition (like raising a child) is a complex problem.
Why this difference is important
You can only solve problems you understand well. Knowing the type of problem is the first step. If you are dealing with a complicated problem, a straightforward technical solution and implementation of best practices work well. No need to reinvent the wheel. But if you are facing a complex problem, then you need more iterations and adaptations, since the solution is unknown and the success of best practices will depend on the context.
Is the public sector ready to solve complex problems?
Not always. The public sector, like many big organizations, relies on structure, processes, and predictability. However, the challenges we are facing require iteration, adaptability, and rapid feedback. Traditional vertical and siloed structures do not necessarily respond with the agility needed to solve problems that are horizontal and require multiple agencies to work together, like climate change. For example, in Mexico, 14 agencies are involved in Governmental Committees of Climate Change, while in the US, it’s 21.
How to prepare to face complex problems
Recently, the IDB launched the study, State Capacities and Wicked Problems of Public Policy: Addressing Vulnerabilities that Affect Human Development. The publication addresses this growing gap between the complexity of problems public administrations face and the capability of the agencies to address them. It focuses on two complex problems: inequality and climate change. The publication offers a simple and practical framework you can use to navigate complex problems. Here are its three main highlights:
1. A simple framework to complex problems
One of the key characteristics of complex problems is that they involve multiple stakeholders with different (sometimes opposed) interests that are not necessarily articulated. Successful approaches to wicked problems involve coordinated efforts across different sectors and levels of government, integrating policies that address various aspects of the problem synergistically. There are two main approaches to bridge the gap between parties with different interests:
• Align Incentives: Find a common objective that can facilitate integrated actions from different agencies or actors. The study suggests changing incentives, for example, by linking funding to specific results, motivating agencies to focus on outcomes rather than just outputs.
• Expand Information: Improve information systems to help break down administrative silos by integrating data from different sources. This enhances the ability to monitor complex interventions across different sectors and levels of government, increasing transparency and accountability.
2. A menu of possible reform options for two wicked problems
The study focuses on two complex problems: climate change and social policy. For each, multiple reforms options are analyzed, including enhancing coordination across different sectors, improving information system integration, and linking funding to results. Involving stakeholders and beneficiaries in the policy process ensures solutions are contextually relevant and effectively address the needs of those most affected. You can see a summary here:
Reform options for managing policies to combat inequality
Reform options for managing climate change policies
3. Learn and adapt
Addressing wicked problems requires continuous learning, experimentation, and adaptation. Public administrations need to be agile, open to learning from past experiences, and willing to revise approaches based on effectiveness. This mindset minimizes failure and fosters innovation.
If you want to learn more, you can read the publication here.
Final Thoughts on Feedback in the Public Sector
Navigating complex problems in the public sector can be daunting, but understanding the nature of these challenges is the first step towards effective solutions. Whether it’s addressing climate change or tackling child malnutrition, the key lies in recognizing the need for collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptability. By applying the principles discussed in the IDB study and embracing a mindset of iteration and feedback, we can drive meaningful change and make solving complex problems a bit easier.
