problemoms
Problemoms is a term used in problem-solving and systems thinking to describe a class of persistent, ill-defined problems that sustain themselves through feedback within a system. The concept emphasizes the dynamic nature of these challenges, where efforts to fix one aspect often produce new complications elsewhere, maintaining a cycle of uncertainty and incomplete resolution.
Core features of problemoms include high ambiguity, shifting goals, competing stakeholder interests, and interdependent subsystems. They
Root causes are often structural, such as misaligned incentives, information gaps, and organizational inertia. Feedback loops—where
Diagnosis relies on systems analysis, including mapping feedback structures, stakeholder analysis, and experimentation. Management strategies emphasize
Problemoms relate to wicked and sticky problems but are distinguished by the active presence of feedback mechanisms