Lecture 1

Question 1

What are wicked problems (according to Alford en Head)?

Answer 1

Wicked problems are complex, unpredictable, and hard-to-define issues that lack clear solutions.

Question 2

Alford en Head name 4 forms of critique on current approaches of Wicked Problems. Name these 4.

Answer 2

1. Totalizing: Wicked problems are often treated as overwhelmingly complex, leading to a sense of helplessness.
2. One-Size-Fits-All Solutions: Generic solutions are often applied without tailoring to the specific problem.
3. Unrealistic Success Criteria: Complete solutions is unrealistic and unnecessary
4. Disregards Degrees of Wickedness

Question 3

Alford and Head propose a two-dimensional matrix to better classify wicked problems. What is on the vertical and horizontal axis?

Answer 3

• Problem Dimension (vertical): The clarity of the problem and its potential solutions.
• Stakeholder Dimension (horizontal): The level of fragmentation in knowledge, interests, and power among stakeholders.

Question 4

What is the recommended approach to solve wicked problems according to Alford and Head? (3 things)

Answer 4

1. Tailored interventions
2. 4 Various strategies (see other card)
3. Progress rather than complete solutions

Question 5

What does John Law say about wicked problems?

Answer 5

Law argues that all problems are essentially wicked, and the only way to handle them is by temporarily making them benign (simple).

Question 6

According to Law, effective management of wicked problems requires balancing opposites. Name these 4 opposites.

Answer 6

1. Homogenization vs. Heterogeneity
2. Centering vs. Decentering
3. Closing vs. Opening
4. Hegemony vs. Modesty

Question 7

Law names 3 techniques for solving wicked problems. Name these 3 techniques.

Answer 7

1. Tactical Approaches:
   Focus on small, practical steps tailored to the specific situation
2. Distributed Responses:
   Spread out the efforts to handle different parts of the problem
3. Care and Tinkering:
   Improving things gradually instead of aiming for perfect results all at once.

Question 8

Which 7 types (4 main types) of regulation does Steurer mention in his spheres?

Answer 8

1. Governmental Regulation: hard (laws, taxes) and soft (guidelines, campaigns) approaches.
2. Business Self-Regulation: individual (firm-level) and collective (industry standards).
3. Civil Regulation: formal standard-setting and informal pressuring.
4. Co-Regulation: Cross-domain collaborations between government, business, and civil society.

Question 9

Which 3 types of interactions does Steurer mention?

Answer 9

1. Ordinary interactions
2. Hybridisation (eg. PPP)
3. Meta governance (governance of governance)

Question 10

Which 4 strengths of governance theories does Steurer mention?

Answer 10

1. Multi-Level-Perspective nature
2. Conceptual enrichment
3. Interdisciplinary exchange
4. Conceptual flexibility and radical development

Question 11

Which 4 forms of co-governance does Steurer mention?

Answer 11

Public co-regulation (S-M)
Public co-management (S-CS)
Private co-regulation (M-CS)
Tripartite co-regulation (S-M-CS)

Question 12

Alford and Head mention 4 techniques to tackle wicked problems (based on Roberts). Name these 4.

Answer 12

1. Authoritative strategy
2. Competitive strategy
3. Collaborative strategy
4. Expert strategy

Question 13

According to Alford and Head, a problem is more likely to be wicked when:

Answer 13

1. Structural complexity
2. Knowability
3. Knowledge fragmentation
4. Knowledge framing
5. Interest differentiation
6. Power distribution
   (onthouden: sluit aan bij x-as en y-as)