Whip It Like Erin Brockovich! [Sebat Ia]
‘Exploring Wicked Problems: What They Are and Why They Are Important’ by Joseph Bentley and Michael Toth explores into the concept of wicked problems—complex, ill-structured, and ambiguous issues that are difficult to solve. I enjoyed reading this book for the second time. It is an easy read and practical. In some organizations, wicked problems arise when people compete for limited resources, hold conflicting values and wrestle with diverse expectations held by others about what we should be doing.[1] Life’s essence boils down to constantly tackling problems. We face challenges, wrestle with them, find solutions for some, and miss the mark on others. This cycle of engagement and challenge is how we spend a good chunk of our lives. At its core, life is about being perpetually engaged and challenged by problems.[2] Isn’t this true?
Key Points:
The book explains that wicked problems are messy, confusing, and unstable, often lacking clear solutions and requiring continuous effort to manage. Bentley and Toth stress the importance of understanding these complexities to drive positive changes in life, work, and society. They offer strategies for managing wicked problems, emphasizing the need for new perspectives, creative thinking, and collaboration. Additionally, the book provides real-life examples to illustrate how these problems manifest and are addressed in various contexts.
What Makes Wicked Problems Wicked?
This question reminds me of the movie, Erin Brockovich (2000): Based on a true story, this film follows a legal assistant who uncovers a major environmental scandal. The movie illustrates the challenges of fighting powerful corporations and the intricate web of legal, ethical, and social issues involved.[3] The wicked problem at the heart of the story is the contamination of groundwater by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) in Hinkley, California. The residents of Hinkley experienced severe health issues due to the contamination of their groundwater by PG&E. The company had been using hexavalent chromium, a toxic chemical, to prevent rust in their cooling towers and had been improperly disposing of it, leading to the contamination of the local water supply. Therefore, each problem is a symptom of another problem. One wicked problem inevitably leads to or is implicated in at least one other equally wicked problem.[4] In the movie, the contamination involved multiple layers of complexity, including environmental, health, legal, and social dimensions. It affected the entire community and involved numerous stakeholders. There was uncertainty about the extent of the contamination and its long-term effects on residents’ health. Establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between PG&E’s actions and the health issues faced by the community was challenging. Various stakeholders had conflicting interests, making it difficult to find a solution that satisfied everyone. The issue involved significant ethical considerations, such as corporate responsibility, environmental justice, and residents’ right to a safe living environment. The problem lacked a simple, clear-cut solution. Even after the legal case was settled, the long-term health effects on residents and the environmental impact remained ongoing concerns. The problem evolved over time as new information emerged and the legal and social context changed, requiring continuous effort and adaptation.
Taming Wicked Problems:
Meaning, acting in ways that gain some measure of control over the critical variables of a difficult issue. It means finding how to take action that narrows the gap between a present state of affairs that is undesirable and a future more desirable one. It means being constantly alert to changing circumstances.[5] In the case of Erin Brockovich, she relentlessly pursued justice for the affected residents, highlighting the complexities and the challenges of tackling such a multifaceted and deeply rooted problem. Drawing from the framework in Exploring Wicked Problems, Erin clearly identified the issue as one involving severe health risks due to toxic chemical pollution in the groundwater. She articulated the problem as a complex, multifaceted issue that required a thorough investigation, legal action, and community mobilization to address the harmful impact on the residents’ health and well-being. Here are some examples:
- Find the problem: Erin discovered the issue while working as a legal assistant, finding medical records that linked to Hinkley residents’ medical case. [6]
- Own the problem: Erin took personal responsibility and showed determination to seek justice for the residents.
- Create the problem: Erin investigated files, connected with affected residents, and collaborated with the legal team, reopening the issue.
- Define the problem: She identified the link between PG&E’s contamination and the residents’ health issues, gathering crucial evidence.
- Name the problem: Erin named it “Environmental Contamination,” focusing attention on PG&E’s negligence and the need for accountability.
The legal battle, led by Erin Brockovich and her law firm, resulted in a historic settlement of $333 million in favor of the affected residents.[7]
Take Away
Wicked problems are complex, messy, and unstable issues that lack clear solutions and require continuous effort to manage. Recognizing and appreciating their complexity is crucial for making positive changes in various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and society. Bentley and Toth recommend tackling wicked problems with new perspectives, creative thinking, and collaboration to navigate their challenges. The real-life examples in this book reminded me of the movie Erin Brockovich.
[1] Joseph Bentley and Michael Toth, Exploring Wicked Problems: What They Are and Why They Are Important (Bloomington, IN: Archway Publishing, 2020). 9.
[2] Bentley, Toth. 11.
[3] Steven Soderbergh, Erin Brockovich (Universal Pictures, 2000).
[4] Bentley, Toth. 41.
[5] Bentley, Toth. 69-70.
[6] Steven Soderbergh, Erin Brockovich (Universal Pictures, 2000).
[7] Erin Brockovich and the Real Story of the Town Decades Later,” ABC News, July 6, 2021,
https://abcnews.go.com/US/erin-brockovich-real-story-town-decades/story?id=78180219. Accessed on February 25, 2025.
About the Author
Shela Sullivan
Born and raised on the vibrant Penang Island in Malaysia, I cherish the Malaysian greeting, “Mari Makan!!” which reflects the warmth of shared meals. Since 1996, I have called Oregon my home enjoying the raindrops and the serenity of its beaches. The ocean connects me to nature and energizes me. I am a Wife - Mentor - Traveling Pastor - Sourcing Manager Construction. Favorite Bible Verse: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." ~ Psalm 37:4~ I reside with my husband, David and our fur-baby Rolo. We share passions for travelling, culture, diverse cuisines, home improvements, classic cars and laughter.10 responses to “Whip It Like Erin Brockovich! [Sebat Ia]”
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Thanks Shela! What’s a wicked problem you engage with on a regular basis? How do you take steps towards managing that problem?
Hi Ryan,
On a regular basis I encountered my business partners not complying to policies and procedures. They are either confused or simply don’t want to comply. In my business non-compliance is risky. So, I own the problem, people are people. I am assertive enough to bring it up, understand the issue and set up trainings for my business partners. They usually improve.
Shela,
I remember Veronica and I going to see that movie. My son being in the military deals with some of these wicked problems impacting drinking water on the various bases as a result of chemicals. He has to filter his water.
Our nation is full of wicked problems, but, if you are able, what is one wicked problem that Malaysia has dealt with over the years?
Thank you for your question, Jeff.
In my observation, since I was a teenager, Malaysia faces ethnic and religious polarization. I am referring to the process in which different ethnic and religious groups within Malaysia are divided. On the surface, there is a great sense of toleration but social tension, conflict, and a lack of cohesion within the community, especially in the cities are obvious. It often came out from issues such as competition for resources, historical grievances, or political manipulation. Religious polarization stemmed from differing beliefs, practices, and identities – Malaysia is extremely diverse in every way. For example, I have a “layered identity”. Though diverse, often these divisions intensify, they create an “us versus them” mentality, reducing opportunities for cooperation and increasing the likelihood of conflict.
Shela,
I love the example of Erin Brokovich. You map out the movie onto the book well and it highlights the ways in which wicked problems can be dealt with. Is there a current wicked problem that you are engaged in right now? Something that doesn’t have a very clear, defined answer?
Hi Adam,
This book came at a right time. Yes, I have a wicked problem with one of my projects, valued at $10million.
The prime contractor subbed out several minor projects (flooring, roofing, fencing, HVAC) to subcontractors. These subs changed hands while the project was still under construction. Upon completion, they failed the final walk through, and my PM withheld payment. Now there is contractual disputes going on. Quite a mess!
Hi Shela, Thanks for the Erin Brokovich tie in, especially because it was based on a real situation. In your context do you find that there are wicked problems that must be addressed, if so, what would your approach be?
Thank you for your question, Diane.
Yes, I belief the sooner the better when faced with wicked problems. In some ways, as described by the authors, address the problems, set up a communication plan, compile data/facts and share the data, discuss, create action plan to resolve the problem.
Hi Shela, great example with Erin Brokovich. Even though she was able to tame the wicked problem by stopping the companies’ practices and getting a settlement for those affected, there were still long-term health consequences that persisted.
What is a wicked problem that you’re trying to tame right now?
Thank you for your question, Christy.
At work, a prime contractor subbed out several minor projects (flooring, roofing, fencing, HVAC) to subcontractors. These subs changed hands while the project was still under construction. Upon completion, they failed the final walk through, and my PM withheld payment. Now there is contractual disputes going on. Quite a mess!