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Module 3: Problem Definition
Welcome.
In this module, we start working together to learn the art and science of problem
definition - the first and most essential skill of the effective public entrepreneur.
Although it seems obvious, most of us – if we are honest - aren’t very rigorous in defining
the problem we are trying to solve.
Instead, we prefer to jump to the solution -- the bill, the app, the grant, the policy -- that
we are proposing, and start lobbying for its implementation.
But, when we fail to define the problem adequately we can end up pursuing solutions
that, no matter how innovative, simply do not work and fail to address the root cause of
the problem.
In contrast, good problem definition helps us to be clear about our ultimate goals. It
enables us to identify actionable and specific opportunities where progress can be made
within larger, seemingly intractable issues, and, when undertaken collaboratively with
stakeholders and partners, it invites collaboration through a compelling statement of
what we are trying to accomplish.
This short introduction to problem definition will enable you to:
1. Understand why problem definition matters; and
2. Describe and apply a participatory process for defining the problem
On the website, we have blank templates for the exercises we describe in this video for
you to use.
Okay, let’s get started with an example.
Recently, a government official I know was developing an innovative program to reduce
school absences in his city. His plan was to send text messages to parents to remind
them that school attendance was mandatory. He was excited about instituting this new
approach for “nudging” people to change how they act in the hope that it would be more
effective at combating truancy than simply legislating required attendance.
But the text messaging solution assumed that the problem was parental behavior. He
believed, as he put it, parents were “taking their kids to Disneyland on vacation during
the school year.”
