Compram, a method for handling complex societal problems

The article starts with an introduction to complex societal problems, and the aspects and causes of such problems are described. The phases in the problem handling process are discussed. Then the main aspects of Compram method are discussed. The Compram method is developed to support handling complex societal problems. The method is developed by DeTombe (cf. DeTombe, D.J., 1994. Defining complex interdisciplinary societal problems, A theoretical study for constructing a co-operative problem analyzing method: the method COMPRAM. Thesis Publishers, Amsterdam). The method is based on the idea that societal problems must be handled cooperatively and must be guided by a facilitator. Knowledge, power and emotions are the basic elements in the problem handling process of these problems. Central in the problem handling process is the communication between members of the problem handling team via the seven-layer model. The Compram method is a prescriptive framework method to which all kind of sub-methods can be applied. A moment in the problem handling process is described in detail. The article ends with descriptions of some of the pitfalls of the problem handling process, and how to avoid them. The Compram method has been used as a theoretical basis for handling over 60 real life cases in the field of technical societal policy making and reorganization. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.