Action Scope
Description
Simple problems can usually be dealt with by performing one type of action. However, more difficult problems can often be dealt with by performing different types of actions. We have to choose which action, or combination of actions, is best.
Examples
The extent of global warming could be reduced by numerous actions, including (in no particular order):
- limiting the human population
- reducing energy consumption per person
- using cleaner sources of energy
- reducing dependence on transportation (especially high-emission forms)
- protecting forests and oceans.
If any one of these actions could reduce warming to safe levels, the magnitude of the action would be so severe that it would never be contemplated. An example would be reducing the human population by about three billion people. Although this might work mathematically, it is inconsistent with most people's priorities and is therefore a non-solution.
Due to the multi-faceted nature of the problem, some of the other actions (e.g., reducing transportation) would be insufficient no matter how thoroughly they were to be implemented.
For these reasons, the solution must involve some combination of multiple actions.
Related Issues
This section describes similarities and differences between this issue and related problem factors and thinking traps.
Element Scope
A system that can respond to many types of action will probably contain many elements (since we can consider an action to be just a type of element).
Time Scope
Time scope refers to the duration for which actions and/or their outcome need to be considered.
Probability
While having to perform numerous actions to fix a problem is normally a disadvantage and makes the system harder to comprehend and manage, it does have an advantage if we are uncertain about the system's behaviour. In this situation, our actions may not work as well as we anticipate. If we put all of our eggs in one basket by implementing just one action, and that action proves unsuccessful, we won't have made much difference to the problem. We would then need to start again, which would be bad if time is of the essence. However, if we undertake many actions, it is less likely that all of them would be unsuccessful; at least a few are likely to help with the problem. To mix metaphors, instead of putting all of our eggs in one basket, we would be hedging our bets.
Busy and Reductionism
When people are busy, they are tempted to take shortcuts to problem-solving. This may include limiting the number of actions considered. This is a form of reductionism.
Narrow Solutions
It can be tempting to adopt numerous actions, each of which deals with a small part of the overall problem. Sometimes this is the best solution, but it can also increase risk because it depends on having an accurate understanding of the problem system. If our understanding is inaccurate due to uncertainty, or if the nature of the problem changes, narrowly-focused actions may miss their targets.
Related Engine Processes
Later, we will describe a thinking framework that comprises multiple processes. This section points forward to the processes that deal with this page's topic.
Option Generation
Option generation involves the identification of actions that may be used to deal with a problem.
Systems Thinking
Systems thinking involves working out how to represent the problem as a system, and working out how that system behaves. This includes the actions that could be applied to the system.
Optimisation
Implementing an action usually results in one or more undesirable outcomes (e.g., it might cost money, effort, etc).
Optimisation determines the mix of actions that best balances the outcomes.
Further Reading
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To Do
Murdered Darlings
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