Stages to Problem Solving

The Kolb Model

• David A. Kolb developed a model of problem-solving that is a dialectical process.

• It’s designed to avoid making the mistake of failing to see potential opportunities in problems

• this failure happens when the problem is not completely analyzed at every step of a process

• It is based upon his theory of experiential learning and consists of four analytical stages

4 Stages

• First Stage – Situation Analysis– Corresponds to concrete experience– it asked the question: • what’s the most important problem• in other words, do I really understand what the issues

are?

• Second Stage: Problem Analysis– This is about reflective observation– it asked the question -- what are the causes of

the problem?– and deals with:• information gathering• problem definition

– is that place where everyone needs to be on the same page and yet has freedom to explore what is really going on

• Stage Three – Solution Analysis– This is the place to abstract conceptualization– the question is asked: what’s the best solution?– it is about –• idea getting• and decision-making

• Fourth Stage – Implementation Analysis– At this stage there is active experimentation– the question is asked: how do we implement the

solution• will this be easy to implement or difficult• is there a low payoff or a big payoff• can we anticipate the consequences• have we identified key individuals who have expertise• if key individuals are not involved in the problem-

solving do they have different solutions

Reality

• Experienced managers tend to follow a similar sequence

• what sets this model apart is the call to attempt to completely analyze each step– significant energy is devoted to each stage– time and energy avoid the problem of solving the wrong

problem– effort can avoid the treatment of symptoms rather than

cause– complete analysis can avoid firefighting following a

solution