Consumption Is a Wicked Problem

Consumption is a wicked problem

Consumption has features of wicked problem.

- Every person must consume.

- Consumption leads to other problems, such as pollution and global warming.

- Global consumption is a unique problem.

- Finding a solution to consumption will never end.

- As consumption occurs in every country, finding solutions is a political issue.

Issues and opportunities for business

Consumption creates many problems and opportunities for business.

- Many industries are affected by power costs

- teaching businesses how to reduce waste is an area of opportunity

- alternative energy is a large global industry

- explaining to businesses how to comply with legislation

Referencing:

* John C. Camillus, professor of strategic management at University of Pittsburgh's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of business, Harvard Business Review Vol. 86 (5) may 2008, page 98-106.

* Armineh Mardirossian, sustainability manager. Woolworth limited http: woolworthslimited.com.au/phoenix.zhtmlc=144044&p=sustainability

* Anup Shah, Environmental Issue, Global Issues, http://www.globalissues.org/news/topic/235

The Wicked Problem of Consumption

Consumption has reached an all-time high and it is threatening our ability to sustain ourselves. Increased wealth, higher incomes and the spread of a consumer society are driving overconsumption throughout the world (University of Technology Sydney 2011).

Consumption is a wicked problem. It is difficult to define, it has various causes and it doesn't have a right answer (Camillus 2008). It is dynamic and complex, and it has no precedent so it can't be solved by traditional processes (Camillus 2008). Nonetheless, businesses are taking steps to curb consumption and more businesses are viewing sustainability as an 'opportunity and platform for growth' (UTS 2011, p. 101). Many businesses report that sustainability activities give them advantages over their competitors.

Although it is a wicked problem, consumption offers many opportunities to businesses. One such opportunity is the development of renewable energy sources. According to Smith (2009) this industry is expected to quadruple in size over the next two decades, which will create many opportunities for businesses,