Scenario: EcoTech’s Sustainability Initiative
EcoTech, a growing technology company, wants to implement a comprehensive sustainability initiative. The CEO has tasked you with framing the problem to ensure a successful implementation. Let’s apply problem framing techniques to address EcoTech’s challenge.
Step 1: Identify the presenting problem
What is the initial problem as presented by EcoTech?
EcoTech needs to reduce its carbon footprint
EcoTech wants to implement a comprehensive sustainability initiative
EcoTech is losing market share due to lack of sustainability practices
EcoTech needs to comply with new environmental regulations
Step 2: Broaden the problem statement
Which approach would be most effective in broadening the problem statement?
How can EcoTech become the most environmentally friendly company in its industry?
How can EcoTech balance sustainability with profitability and growth?
What specific green technologies should EcoTech adopt?
How quickly can EcoTech implement sustainability measures?
Step 3: Examine multiple perspectives
Which stakeholder perspective should be prioritized when framing the problem?
Shareholders, focusing on the financial implications
Customers, emphasizing their demand for sustainable products
Employees, considering their role in implementing sustainability practices
All stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, employees, and the community
Step 4: Look for root causes
What potential root cause should be explored when framing EcoTech’s sustainability challenge?
Lack of employee awareness about sustainability practices
Absence of a clear sustainability strategy aligned with business goals
Insufficient budget allocation for sustainability initiatives
Limited availability of sustainable technologies in the market
Step 5: Challenge assumptions
Which assumption about sustainability initiatives should be challenged?
Sustainability initiatives always lead to increased costs
Only large-scale changes can make a significant impact
Sustainability is solely an environmental issue
All of the above assumptions should be challenged
Step 6: Reframe the problem
Based on the previous steps, how should the problem be reframed?
How can EcoTech reduce its environmental impact while maintaining profitability?
What sustainable practices can EcoTech implement immediately?
How can EcoTech integrate sustainability into its core business strategy to create value for all stakeholders?
How can EcoTech become carbon neutral within the next five years?
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully applied problem framing techniques to EcoTech’s sustainability challenge. By broadening the problem statement, considering multiple perspectives, exploring root causes, and challenging assumptions, you’ve reframed the problem in a way that allows for more innovative and comprehensive solutions. This approach will help EcoTech develop a sustainability initiative that creates value for all stakeholders while aligning with its business goals.