"In proactive problem solving we specify where we want to go, and we try to get there. Although such an approach does not eliminate the possibility of overlooking relevant consequences of our solutions, it reduces the probability of doing so. The more ultimate the desired outcome we specify, the more likely we are to consider the intermediate and long-run consequences of our immediate actions. The more immediate the source of dissatisfaction we try to get rid of, the less likely we are to take account of relevant consequences. Therefore, the chances of overlooking relevant consequences are minimized when we formulate a problem in terms of approaching one or more ideals."
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Academics from the United StatesPeople from PhiladelphiaBusiness theorists from the United StatesSystems scientists
Original Language: English
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As cited in: Problem Solving & Goal Setting blog, 24 October 2010.
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Russell_L._Ackoff
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Russell L. Ackoff
Russell L. Ackoff (12 February 1919 – 29 October 2009) was an American organizational theorist, professor and pioneer in the field of operations research, systems thinking and management science.
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