Kolb's Problem Solving Model

This post may look a little boring. It relates at how we process information and possible problem-solving techniques. I agree that many problems do not have the perfect solution. Some may not have a solution at all. But in my opinion most of us go through a similar process as the one described by Kolb when confronted with a specific issue. We assess the situation and we study the problem. Then we come up with possible solutions, and finally you implement them. I believe that Kolb learning theory and problem solving model is very actual and shows with simplicity a process that could seem very complicate.

The four stages of problem solving are part of Kolb’s model of problem solving. I like this model because it provides a structured approach to problem-solving facilitating a methodical evaluation of complex problems. This model was also based on Kolb’s theory of experimental learning. In this theory Kolb describes learning styles as preferences in the way individuals’ process information when solving problems.

The four stages of problem solving are:

Stage 1: Situation Analysis.
Stage 2: Problem Analysis.
Stage 3: Solution analysis.
Stage 4: Implementation analysis.

I promise my next post will be more interesting.

Reference:

Kolb, D. A., Osland, J. S., Turner, M. E., & Rubin, I. M. (2007). The
organizational behavior: Behavior reader (8th ed.) Prentice-Hall.