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# The WickedVUCA Typology: A Problem-Agnostic Framework for Adaptive Problem-Solving in Complex, Dynamic Environments

## Details

**Authors** Colman D

**Year** 2025

**Publisher** Journal of Systems Thinking 5(1):1-44

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Systems Science

**Secondary disciplines** Public Policy

**Reading level** technical

**Kind of engagement** scholarly

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.2025.000009) 
10.54120/jost.2025.000009

## In authors' words

### Abstract

The WickedVUCA ® Typology, problem-agnostic by design, synthesizes concepts from Wicked Problems and VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) to provide a structured framework for understanding and addressing today’s multifaceted challenges. Integrating complexity and conflict dimensions with stakeholder agreement levels guides organizations in categorizing problems from simple and stable (Type 0) to highly conflicted and unpredictable (Type IV). Incorporating cognitive, affective, and conative dimensions ensures comprehensive analysis, acknowledging that stakeholder motivations and emotions influence outcomes. Through Object Measurement™ and continuous variables, the typology refines conceptual precision, supporting evidence-based decision-making and adaptive responses. This paper presents the theoretical foundations, measurement approaches, and practical implications, demonstrating how WickedVUCA ® enhances interdisciplinary collaboration, strategic planning, and resilience across diverse sectors. The typology empowers organizations to navigate complex, evolving global environments [1] . [1] Cabrera et al. (2023) The Steps to Doing a Systems Literature Review (SLR) Journal of Systems Thinking. (23) 3.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A paper presenting the WickedVUCA Typology, which merges Wicked Problems and VUCA into a problem-agnostic framework classifying problems from Type 0 (simple, stable) to Type IV (conflicted, unpredictable).

### What they found (results)

Uses DSRP as analytical tool. Combining complexity and conflict dimensions with stakeholder agreement — measured as continuous variables — supports evidence-based categorization and adaptive responses across sectors.

## Commentary

### In short

Presents the WickedVUCA Typology, a framework that sorts problems by complexity, conflict and stakeholder agreement to guide how to address them.

### Response

Merges Wicked Problems and VUCA into a problem-agnostic typology, using DSRP as the analytical tool for building it.

**Patterns it shows** D, P

**How to cite this** Colman D (2025). The WickedVUCA Typology: A Problem-Agnostic Framework for Adaptive Problem-Solving in Complex, Dynamic Environments. Journal of Systems Thinking 5(1):1-44.