Distinguishing a Simple Problem from a Complex Problem (2024)

Let’s now discuss the fundamental difference between a simple problem and a complex problem: Knowing the type of problem that needs to be addressed — and resolved — significantly affects how one or more members and other stakeholders can manage the problem by closing the initial GAP in just one cycle of problem management.

A simple problem is apparent whenever one individual CAN HAVE the necessary knowledge, expertise, and experience to solve the problem. In contrast, a complex problem is apparent when one individual CANNOT POSSIBLY HAVE all the relevant knowledge, expertise, and experience to solve the problem.

This major contrast between a simple problem and a complex problem is rooted in the biological, physical, social, emotional, and cognitive limitations of human beings. Imagine: If individuals were capable of knowing everything about every single topic, it would be unnecessary to contrast a simple problem from a complex problem. But because of the inherent limitations of all human beings, it takes several members (or multiple groups) to include ALL the necessary knowledge, expertise, and experience to understand ALL aspects of complex problems. Said differently, since human beings are highly specialized (especially when they received their formal education in one area of expertise and only worked in specialized departments in an organization), there are many problems that, by definition, are far beyond the limited expertise and experience of any one person.