Problem Solving Process at the Workplace

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Problem analysis and application of the problem-solving strategy
Conclusion
Reference List

Introduction

It is much easier to address a particular problem or a difficult situation if a person can properly define this issue and distinguish its major components. In this way, an individual can take more informed decisions, especially at the time when it is necessary to reconcile several conflicting values or interests. The scenario that will be analyzed in this paper also represents a conflict of interests. In particular, one should mention the need for better economic opportunities and the necessity to complete one’s studies while avoiding additional expenses. Furthermore, one should keep in mind that the scenario does not include the information which may be important for choosing the most optimal solution. There are other aspects of this issue and they will be examined in the following sections of the paper. Overall, it is possible to apply the approach outlined in the article The Problem Solving Process (n. d.). This technique can be helpful for discussing this scenario from different perspectives and generating different solutions. These are the main questions that should be examined in greater detail.

Problem analysis and application of the problem-solving strategy

Problem definition

This problem can be reduced to the choice between two options, while the implications of each decision cannot be accurately determined. In this case, I have to decide whether I should accept the job offer from a company that is ready to hire me as a supervisor with a significant salary increase. However, I would have to start my work during my final examination period; so, I may need to abandon my studies at the college that I currently attend. One should take into account that the current company gives tuition reimbursement while the new company does not. Therefore, I may need to spend more time and money to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. This is one of the drawbacks that should be considered. Certainly, it is possible to work in the company in which I have worked for eleven years. Nevertheless, this decision can deprive me of possible opportunities for career growth and this mistake can have far-reaching implications.

Admittedly, it is possible to provide alternative definitions of this problem; however, one can do it only by identifying some of the important factors that are not identified in the chosen scenario. For instance, one may consider the opportunities for professional growth in the two companies. Furthermore, one should focus on such an issue as job design in each of the organizations. If this information had been provided in the scenario, the problem could have been formulated more accurately.

Problem analysis

While analyzing this problem, one should consider the factors involved in this problem, especially possible opportunities and threats associated with each of the decisions. In particular, one can focus on such factors as the new employment opportunity, increased salary, and favorable attitude of the management that reimburse the relocation costs. These are the positive aspects of the first option. At the same time, one should not overlook potential disadvantages such as the increased costs of education and possible necessity to spend more time in order to receive an academic degree. By staying in the current company, I would manage to avoid these pitfalls, but I may not be able to increase my socio-economic status and acquire new professional skills.

This situation can be examined from a different perspective if one can learn more about the details omitted from this case. In particular, one may focus on the way in which each of the choices can contribute to a person’s career. For instance, this problem might be examined with the help of the cost-benefit analysis. In particular, this technique can be applied provided that the cost of tuition is specified. However, this information is not available. Overall, a decision-maker should remember that even the most rigorous analytical tool can be ineffective, if the available information is inaccurate or incomplete (Engel, 1998).This is one of the issues that should not be overlooked.

Generating possible solutions

Overall, it is possible to identify several solutions to this scenario. For instance, it is possible to ask the management of the new company to postpone the start date so that I could have enough time to complete my studies and obtain a Bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, I may take an academic leave and resume my studies at the time, when I get used to the requirements of the new employer. Thirdly, it is possible to reject the offer and continue working in my current company.

Analyzing the solutions

It is possible to mention that the first solution may be the most optimal decision, if the managers of the new company agree to postpone the start of my career in this organization. Nevertheless, this organization may not be able to offer me this opportunity due to possible time constrains. So, they may not be open to negotiation while discussing this particular issue. In turn, the second solution enables a person to take new employment opportunity and retain the chance of continuing one’s education. However, this solution leads to the increased costs that may be required for receiving a degree. In turn, the third approach enables the person to avoid these expenditures. Yet, this evaluation can be fully valid provided that one can take accurately assess two companies. For instance, the chosen scenario does not tell a person how the managers of the current company can respond, if an employee, who has worked for the organization for eleven years, decides to leave. In particular, they may choose to offer him/her a salary increase. This is one of the cases illustrating the limitations of the current analysis which cannot incorporate the relevant evidence. So, while solving a particular problem, one should not disregard the issues that are not mentioned in the scenario (Brest & Krieger, 2010). This is one of the points that should be made.

Selecting the most optimal course of action

Overall, the most optimal approach is to combine the first two solutions. In particular, at the beginning, one should carefully explain the complexity of the situation to the management of the new company and ask them if it is possible to start working after the examination period. It is quite possible that they will agree to wait for the completion of the examination period. Provided that this opportunity is not available, one should take an academic leave or move to a different college since in this way, one can make use of the new employment opportunity. However, this chosen approach can be adopted only if the management of the current company does not try to retain the employee in any way.

Planning the next course of action

The next course of action will strongly depend on the work environment of the new company and the ability of a person to meet the requirements of the employee. Provided that I am able to perform successfully in the organization, I will continue my education and take a Bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, it is possible that I may stay at the company in which I am currently working and complete my graduate studies. Overall, it is possible to say that the solution of the problem can take different paths, depending on the decisions of other people. This is one of the details that should not be overlooked.

The evaluation of the selected problem-solving strategy

Overall, the problem-solving strategy that has been described in this paper can be applied to various situations. Moreover, it can be used in different settings because it is compatible with various analytical tools and data collection methods. Apart from that, this strategy enables a person to distinguish those issues that are not fully described in a particular scenario. This is the main advantage of this problem-solving strategy.

Conclusion

Overall, these examples show that the application of a problem-solving strategy can be useful for taking decisions. They enable a person to decompose a certain problem and identify the advantages and disadvantages of possible solutions. It should be noted that the selected scenario does not include specific and relevant data that may be important for developing the most appropriate solutions. More importantly, at this point, one cannot accurately identify the most optimal decision, because it is important to consider the responses of various stakeholders such as the managers of both companies. These are the main details that can be singled out.

Reference List

Brest, P., & Krieger, L. (2010). Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Professional Judgment: A Guide for Lawyers and Policymakers. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Engel, A. (1998). Problem-Solving Strategies. New York, NY: Springer Science & Business Media.

The Problem Solving Process. (n. d.). Web.

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