MAIS 601: Reflective Analysis

I chose Paul Hirsch’s “A Framework for Integrative Thinking about Complex Problems” because I was looking for solutions or even guidance on how to solve complex problems in my own life. After I initially read the article, I was disappointed. Unfortunately, Hirsch (2012) does not provide a one-stop shop of solutions I was looking for; instead, they discuss the merits of part vs. whole ideas and how we need to lean into the dissonance this framework and the interdisciplinary approach creates. Rather than trying to force multiple perspectives together in a way that attempts to unify, Hirsch (2012) states we need to see where the differences lie because this is where change can be found. But this also feels oversimplistic which is something Hirsch (2012) guards against. Sometimes I fall into this trap at work, and I find myself puzzling over the number of questions and quietly exclaiming to myself that it cannot be this difficult; I immediately regret this when I realize the complexity of the problem at hand. This reading reminded me there can be multiple paths to an end result instead of just one and we need to be open to those multiple paths.

According to Hirsch (2012), this framework for integrative thinking and the overall interdisciplinary approach means looking at multiple perspectives and accepting there will be dissonance and no single unifying truth; that in the dissonance, shared principles can be found, and we need to appreciate that. I often struggle at work with multiple opinions and perspectives on a wide variety of issues; it is my job to hold space for employees’ differing views and perspectives while trying to protect the organization’s interests. It can be exhausting and often fruitless as it typically does not satisfy all stakeholders. Perhaps this is why the reading disappointed me; Hirsch (2012) discusses the need to gain perspective rather than find a solution to a problem and in my mind, that is even more maddening. It is difficult because it feels like I am already using a form of this framework to reinforce the work I do and secretly, I was hoping there would be an easier way!

References:

Hirsch, P. D. (2012, June 25). “A Framework for Integrative Thinking about Complex Problems.” Conflict and Collaboration.