When we need to solve very complex problems for every large audience then we need a framework approach.
PROBLEM, COMPLEX PROBLEM
A problem can be called complex problem when –
- The root cause is not clearly known, or there could be multiple root causes when the problem occurs in different instances. To give an example, language proficiency among youngsters is a complex problem because 10 youngsters having language skills limitations could have 10 different root causes – realizing its importance late, not having supportive family atmosphere, faulty education policy, not having sufficient patience required for acquiring the language skills, having desperation and anxiety for learning the language quickly, low self-confidence, financial problem, and other reasons.
- When the audience is large – This situation poses two kinds of problems for a standard business model development – (1) the beneficiaries or customers may not be available in concentrated pockets, and this may cause issues of operational viability, and (2) multiplicity in the expectations that beneficiaries have from the solution provider.
This gets us back to the first statement that when we want to solve complex problems for a large audience then what we require a framework approach.
Framework approach is based upon two concepts –
- It is well known from the Eriksson & Charness Report (1994)1 that if a clear specific philosophy for training (developing) people is missing, then, people will be stuck.
- Framework provides scope for flexibility, participation, decentralization and innovation. To give an example, with one WordPress framework, there are millions of websites for different functionalities ranging from E-Commerce to blogging, from news portals to e-learning management. (This in no way implies that the framework itself must be static. The framework must evolve by itself as well).
ROOT CAUSE VERSUS ORIGINS
The framework approach is particularly relevant if we want to come up with a lasting solution. Complex problems may have origins somewhere else, and on the surface, there may be no connection between the root cause (examples given above for the case of language skills) and its origin.
The Addwit frameworks are unique because they have been prepared after carefully assessing the origins of complex problems that weaken the society and economy of both the Eastern and the Western cultures alike. To pack it in a few words, the origin of many problems in the society and economy today are traceable in the triad of industrialization, colonization and capitalism working in communion with each other. In fact, when time permits, I would like to write a separate article on the conspiracy framework the three have developed in last 500 years, set of 30 + conspiracies that disturb our life moment to moment, 24×7.
We at Addwit understood early on that we are headed towards solving complex problems of society. We had made a shaky beginning helping people with English language skills; and it took about 7 years of research and working on the ground with participants that we could come up with the organic process of language assimilation which our brain utilizes universally for learning the first language. That was about 2010, and we continued identifying that critical problem that people are facing but are not talking about it, leave aside finding solutions for it.
We noticed that it was more vital to develop breakthrough pedagogies and purposes for the learning process than developing content. Today we have three specific frameworks, and they are briefly presented below.
1 – FRAMEWORK FOR ETHICAL PROSPERITY
Consider the following facts –
- In most countries the currency has been disconnected from the intrinsic value of gold or other precious metal. Currency is effectively a printout; or even worse, maybe a data point in the digital world.
- The Western and mid-eastern perceptions are based upon one-life principle. Hence their definition of success is to achieve as much as possible within this one lifetime.
- We are never educated about finances through formal education, hence our approach to management of money is haphazard.
After about 500 years of trying to “organize” the market, working on the principles of profit maximization, market dominance and cartel-grade monopolistic practices, even the West has started thinking back, and is coming up with the jargons like purpose of capital, impact businesses, etc.
The Addwit framework for ethical prosperity revisits the time-tested practices that kept the society prosperous up to the bottom of the pyramid for centuries together, the mindset of the Vaishya varna of the society, the possibilities within the culture-centric economics, the concept of Nav Nidhi, and more.
Currently the following products/programs are available under the ethical prosperity framework –
- Advit Vyavsay Upanishad
- Advit Money Matters (Community Magazine, Series-1)
- Kasht Customers ke
- Shri Siddhi Ek Sau Ikkisi
- Addwit Vaibhav Sadhana (self-paced workshop)
- Diploma in Ethical Entrepreneurship Economics and Policymaking
- Collaboration for creating ecosystem for ethical business by creating community of ethical entrepreneurs and conscious customers
- Available – school level programs for vittiya chaturya and ethical entrepreneurship
- The 4Q Career Strategy
Ethical prosperity is the most-fit response to challenges that nations and individuals face. Adopting the concept of ethical prosperity could be the Eureka-moment for most nations because it is free from greed as well as it is free from stress that targets cause, without diluting away the spirit of enterprise, creativity and service-orientation that we possess as innate human qualities.
2 – FRAMEWORK FOR WORK-LIFE BALANCE
If we do a cursory analysis then we will find that work-life balance is a looming problem all over the world, especially in the organized sector. There must be something seriously wrong that on an average, crime rates are increasing, stress level are increasing, well-educated and intelligent youngsters are frustrated and at loss of direction, corruption is on rise, mutual trust is low, families are crumbling down, governments and administration is defunct; and no one seems to be accountable for anything.
The Addwit framework for work-life balance is based upon the six critical life positions that directly control the quality of life. Unless the person has confidence that he has good control on the quality of life for himself/his family, he will remain stressed and worried and will not perform to his full potential in the workplace and will not come forward to contribute to society.
With Addwit framework for work-life balance is based upon the six critical life positions, there are number of collaboration opportunities; especially in organizations that handle young parents – schools, workplace, social groups..
3 – THE ADDWIT I-G-P FRAMEWORK
The government is usually considered to be the patron of its citizens, and in this role, to take care of their overall development. Government executes this role through policies. Policies are based upon the research and statistical indicators available to the government, and the manifesto of the government.
“Development” is today usually defined in terms of development of infrastructure and governance. For developing people development, the only yardstick is formal education or skill development for livelihood. Is that “all” that there is for people development? No; it is not so straightforward.
Government of every country will benefit enormously if they could keep on their mind two factors – (1) the Addwit I-G-P Framework for net development as explained in the video below, and (2) formal education is only one aspect of people development, there is a lot more to it which cannot be (and should not be) 100% formalized.
IN CONCLUSION
The three frameworks presented above shall not only address multiple complex issues that we face today, but also can become the bedrock for society, education, economy and policymaking for the next 500 years for nations across various cultures.
CTA
For a detailed presentation and discussion, please reach us on care@addwit.org
