{"id":97,"date":"2026-07-06T14:44:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T14:44:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/wickedproblem\/?post_type=chapter&p=97"},"modified":"2026-07-06T14:53:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T14:53:39","slug":"the-ethics-of-working-on-wicked-problems","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/wickedproblem\/chapter\/the-ethics-of-working-on-wicked-problems\/","title":{"raw":"The Ethics of Working on Wicked Problems","rendered":"The Ethics of Working on Wicked Problems"},"content":{"raw":"As you have learned in your TWP course, wicked problems are complicated issues that by their very nature can provoke strong feelings and reactions in people. As a result, you should be careful in how you approach your Habits of Mind project so that you do not cause harm to stakeholders, or to the Plymouth State University community.\r\n\r\nDiscussing a sensitive topic, or sharing personal experiences, may bring up difficult or painful feelings for people. For some people, the potential harm is minor discomfort that passes quickly. For other people, this potential harm could be much stronger or longer lasting.\r\n\r\nThere are many ways to reduce potential harm to stakeholders. First, explain your project in enough detail beforehand to allow people to choose if they want to participate, and give them a chance to select the best time and place to engage with your group. Second, assure stakeholders that their participation is voluntary, and that they can stop participating at any time, which will put them at ease. In a survey, this might mean allowing people to opt out of the survey entirely and skip questions even if they begin. In an interview, you might need to remind people verbally throughout the interview, especially if their body language shows that they are uncomfortable. Third, gather as little identifying information as possible from stakeholders, and protect their privacy when describing their perspectives and experiences. This not only reduces any potential harm of having their words or ideas used against them, but also will probably make people more comfortable being open and honest with you.\r\n\r\nWhen you as a student in Tackling a Wicked Problem interact with people outside of your classroom, particularly off-campus organizations or individuals, you should be aware of how your words and actions reflect on Plymouth State University. Always be polite and act in a professional manner. And remember that when you ask someone to participate in an activity related to your Habits of Mind project, you are asking for their time and energy. They may simply be unable to help you in the timeframe of your deadline. And if they do participate, remember to thank them afterwards!\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAdditional Resources:\r\n