Requirements For Designing a Policy-making model For Wicked Public Problems Using the Meta-synthesis Method

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Phd Student of Public Policy Making, Faculty of Economic, Management and Administrative Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Public Policy Making, Faculty of Economic, Management and Administrative Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

3 Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior Management, Faculty of Economic, Management and Administrative Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

10.22059/jppolicy.2025.105210

Abstract

Wicked public problems, due to their intricacy, dynamism, and dependence on multiple factors, pose fundamental challenges to public policy-making, necessitating flexible and participatory solutions. This study aims to identify the requirements for policy-making in addressing wicked public problems by employing the meta-synthesis method. To this end, 523 articles published between 2014 and 2024 were reviewed, ultimately selecting 51 studies that directly addressed wicked problems in public policy. Data were extracted through a systematic review of scholarly sources, articles, and research reports, and analyzed using the meta-synthesis approach. The findings revealed that a comprehensive study in this field and the development of a policy-making model require two main dimensions: first, the identification of wicked problems, and second, the strategies for addressing and confronting them. Additionally, effective responses to these problems depend on flexible policies, adaptive governance, stakeholder participation, transparency, and organizational learning.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Public Policy
Volume 11, Issue 4
December 2025
Pages 224-235

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