The nature of work-related problems: messy, co-produced and wicked
Article
Article Title | The nature of work-related problems: messy, co-produced and wicked |
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ERA Journal ID | 45044 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | |
Author | Fergusson, Lee |
Journal Title | Journal of Work-Applied Management |
Journal Citation | 11 (2), pp. 106-120 |
Number of Pages | 15 |
Year | 2019 |
Publisher | Emerald |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
ISSN | 2205-2062 |
2205-149X | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1108/JWAM-08-2019-0024 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JWAM-08-2019-0024/full/pdf?title=the-nature-of-work-related-problems-messy-co-produced-and-wicked |
Abstract | Purpose – Work-based research is the applied form of work-based learning (WBL) and has been described as the systematic and methodical process of investigating work-related 'problems'. Such problems can either be associated with specific workplaces and domains of practice or may more broadly be described as practical, social or real-world in nature. However, the specific characteristics of work-related problems for organisations and society have yet to be explained, and inadequate problem definition, multiple and competing goals, and lack of agreement on cause-effect relationships have hampered understanding. The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of work-related problems and provides examples from real-world contexts in Australia. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides models and examples of standard and non-standard work-related problems based on prior research and current practice. Findings – Research paradigms view work-related problems as either definable and solvable or ill-defined, complex, difficult to describe and not easily rectified. The former view is concerned with 'high ground problems' associated with traditional research methods; the latter with 'lowland, messy, confusing problems' more frequently associated with the social sciences. Irrespective of orientation and definition, work-related problems have one thing in common: they are typically messy, constantly changing and complex, and many are co-produced and wicked. Originality/value – Despite difficulties with identifying and isolating the various types of work-related problem, the paper establishes the importance of doing so for the practitioner. The definition and examination |
Keywords | work-based learning, work-related problem, wicked problem, co-produced problem, messy problem, work-based research |
Contains Sensitive Content | Does not contain sensitive content |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 390107. Humanities and social sciences curriculum and pedagogy (excl. economics, business and management) |
390307. Teacher education and professional development of educators | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | School of Education |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q5823/the-nature-of-work-related-problems-messy-co-produced-and-wicked
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