Sound Judgment in Problem-Solving

 Problem-solving must be both systematic and innovative via multidimensional thought processes and cross-disciplinary knowledge and expertise.

Problem-solving is about framing the right problems and solving them effectively. Multidimensional thinking is crucial to solving complex problems. 

Problem-solving Thinking is multifaceted, and while there isn't a universally accepted categorization, it can be divided into analyses, reasoning, judgment, and decision-making.

Multidimensional thinking: Problems can be well-structured with clear solutions or ill-structured, lacking clear solution paths. Solving ill-structured problems often requires insight, a sudden understanding achieved through prior thought and unconscious processing. 

Complex problem solving involves both divergent thinking (generating various solutions) and convergent thinking (narrowing down to the best solution). 

Critical thinking and sound judgment are closely related. Critical thinking, using reasoning and impartial scrutiny, is essential for problem-solving. It is a mode of cognition that uses deliberative reasoning and impartial scrutiny of information to arrive at a possible solution to a problem. It involves skills such as breaking down a problem, recognizing biases, collecting evidence, and reevaluating one's thinking. 

Framing the right problem needs sound judgment that involves the ability to reason well and to be guided by reasoned evaluations. Critical thinking provides the tools and mindset necessary for making sound judgments. It enables individuals to assess information objectively, identify potential biases, and arrive at well-reasoned solutions.

Biological problem-solving: A “biologist mind” that can dig deeper into living organisms such as organizations and the context of their environment (hyperconnected business ecosystem) can have an advantage in sparking creativity for problem-solving. 

Biophysics exemplifies an interdisciplinary approach by addressing biological problems with physical concepts, integrating physics, chemistry, physiology, and biology. This interdisciplinary nature allows for a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.

Obstacles to Problem-Solving: Several factors can impede effective thinking and judgment. These include cognitive biases, mental sets, functional fixedness, stereotypes, and negative transfer. Recognizing and overcoming these obstacles is essential for sound judgment.

Organizations today need to achieve new resource configurations as markets emerge, build dynamic business capabilities to solve problems systematically. Problem-solving must be both systematic and innovative via multidimensional thought processes and cross-disciplinary knowledge and expertise.

Posted in: Decision Making,Problem Solving