Which of the following describes the tendency to use solutions that have worked for past problems?

1. Career development
2. Complex Problem-Solving: Definition and Steps

By Indeed Editorial Team

Published June 1, 2021

Problem-solving is often a highly desired skill in today's job market. Having the ability to solve complex and simple problems is often an important part of success in many industries and positions. Complex problem-solving involves more steps and considerations than simple problem-solving and understanding these differences may help you successfully develop complex problem-solving skills. In this article, we define complex problem-solving, discuss the key differences between complex and simple problem solving, talk about the necessary steps to solve complex problems and offer a list of jobs that may benefit from developing complex problem-solving skills.

Related: Problem-Solving Skills: Definition and Examples

What is complex problem-solving?

Complex problem solving is a series of observations and informed decisions used to find and implement a solution to a problem. Beyond finding and implementing a solution, complex problem solving also involves considering future changes to circumstance, resources and capabilities that may affect the trajectory of the process and success of the solution. Complex problem solving also involves considering the impact of the solution on the surrounding environment and individuals.

Related: Effective Problem-Solving Steps in the Workplace

Complex problem-solving vs. simple problem-solving

There are a few key differences between complex and simple problem-solving, including:

Considerations

A key difference between complex and simple problem-solving is the amount and kinds of consideration that you must acknowledge. When solving simple problems, the considerations often include:

• The scope of the problem

• The resources available to solve the problem

• Potential solutions

• Optimal solutions

• Ways of implementing solutions

When solving complex problems, the considerations often include:

• The scope of the problem

• The impact of the problem

• The resources available to solve the problem

• Potential changes to the situation

• Potential solutions

• Optimal solutions

• The impact of optimal solutions

• Ways of implementing solutions

• The method of measuring solution success

Predictions

When solving simple problems, there is rarely a need to predict changes to the situation or process of implementing a solution. When solving complex problems, it's important to consider potential changes and how your strategy may change to accommodate them.

Intricacy of the problem

Simple problem-solving often involves assessing and evaluating potential solutions for problems that have few variables or intricacies. Complex problem-solving often involves assessing and evaluating potential solutions for problems that have several variables and intricacies.

Number of steps

The number of steps necessary to solve a simple problem may be fewer than the number of steps necessary to solve a complex problem. This may be due to the increased number of considerations, changes to the process of finding a solution and the extensive intricacies of complex problems.

Related: 14 Effective Problem-Solving Strategies

Steps for complex problem-solving

Below is a list of commonly used steps to successfully complete complex problem-solving:

1. Identify the problem and its cause

In order to solve a complex problem, it's often helpful to clearly identify the problem and determine its cause. Understanding that caused the problem is an important part of making informed decisions about your potential solutions. To do this, consider gathering relevant data, isolating possible contributing factors and deciding which aspects need to be addressed in your solution.

2. Consider the impacts of the problem

When solving a complex problem, it's important to understand the impacts of the problem on the surrounding environment and individuals. By understanding the negative effects of the problem, you may be able to prioritize solutions based on results that most alleviate these impacts. To determine the impacts of the problem, you may consider things like:

• The problem's effect on the well-being of others

• The problem's tendency to cause delays in productivity

• The problem's tendency to hinder communication

• The problem's tendency to decrease efficiency

• The problem's effect on production quality

• The problem's effect on costs

3. Brainstorm solutions

Once you understand the impacts of the problem, it may be easier to brainstorm solutions that most effectively address the effects. Brainstorming solutions to complex problems often involves teamwork. You may also need to consider more than one solution or a series of changes to your current practices in order to achieve your desired results. Skills that may be helpful when brainstorming solutions include:

• Teamwork

• Creativity

• Project design

• Critical-thinking

• Predictive thinking

4. Consider the impacts of solutions

While brainstorming possible solutions, it's important to consider the impacts the solutions may have on the surrounding environment and involved individuals. To determine the impact of a solution, you may consider the same items you used to determine the impact of a problem.

Related: How To Create Your Own Problem-Solving Process

5. Choose the most optimal solution

To successfully solve a complex problem, it's important that the solution does not have more negative impacts than the original problem. In order to choose the most optimal solution, consider the pros and cons of each of your options and compare them to the impacts of the original situation. This may help you more easily determine which of your potential solutions offers the most benefits.

In some cases, it may be helpful to seek a second opinion when deciding on an optimal solution. Someone else may be able to view the potential solutions from a new perspective and may provide valuable insight into your decisions.

6. Implement a plan

After determining which of your potential solutions is most optimal, you may begin planning ways to implement the solution. In the workplace, this may involve changes in policies, practices or procedures, developing new means of communication, restructuring project management techniques, purchasing new equipment or altering manufacturing methods.

7. Prepare for changes

It's important to use predictions to prepare for changes to your solution. To do this, consider variables in your process or hypothesis about unexpected events and think of additional solutions to help you proactively adjust your strategy.

Jobs that benefit from complex problem-solving

There are several jobs that benefit from complex problem-solving:

Medical doctor

Doctors may use complex problem-solving to evaluate patients, determine the cause of their symptoms and recommend optimal treatment. There may be several considerations to consider when diagnosing and treating an illness or injury, such as risk factors, success rates of treatment options and the affect treatment may have on the well-being of their patients and their families. They may also need to predict potential changes or outcomes to their patient's conditions.

Psychologist

Psychologists may use complex problem-solving in ways similar to medical doctors. They may use complex problem-solving to identify and diagnose mental illness or behavioral issues, recommend treatments and monitor the success of their patients' recoveries. There are many variables for psychologists to consider when implementing solutions, such as the effectiveness of medication or treatment, risk factors of medications and their patients' access to community resources and support. They may also need to consider how their solutions may impact their patients and their families.

Project manager

Project managers may use complex problem-solving to plan, implement and monitor the success of long-term projects. They may use predictions to hypothesize about changes in resource availability, team capabilities and client expectations. It's important for project managers to consider the impacts of their solutions to ensure projects remain productive, efficient and meet all completion requirements.

Firefighter

Firefighters may use complex problem-solving to identify optimal solutions for extinguishing and preventing fires. There are several considerations they may need to include in their problem-solving methods, such as risk, wind direction, weather, hazardous material and the impact of their extinguishing methods on surrounding structures.

Disaster management specialists

Disaster management specialists are responsible for organizing and supervising response efforts to national disasters and emergencies. This task often involves complex problem-solving to maximize community outreach and ensure the effectiveness of rescue and response efforts. There are many considerations involved in assisting communities during and after a disaster or emergency and disaster management specialists often need to make informed decisions about their optimal solutions based on the positive impacts they may have.

What is the tendency to use solutions that have worked in the past rather than looking for alternative ideas?

What is the process of finding a solution to a problem called?

Which of the following describes the value of the general problem solver computer simulation?

When people persist in using problem