In the [[Theory of Constraints]], **core conflict** describes a condition in a system where achieving an objective appears to require two necessary but mutually incompatible conditions. Because it appears to be impossible to satisfy both conditions, the conflict persists despite the negative impacts it causes. Resolving the core conflict requires identifying incorrect assumptions, then changing the system such that both necessary conditions can be satisfied and the goal can be achieved. ## See also - [[Purpose X and Purpose Y]] - [[Dynamic Forces]] - [[Creative Tension]] - [[Parent's Paradox]] - Dr. Domenico Lepore, [Building The Core Conflict Cloud](https://www.intelligentmanagement.ws/learningcentre/what-are-the-thinking-process-tools/building-the-core-conflict-cloud/) %% From a list of observable symptoms, cause-and effect is used to identify the underlying common cause, the core problem, for all of the symptoms. In organizations, however, the core problem is inevitably an unresolved conflict that keeps the organization trapped and/or distracted in a constant tug-of-war (management versus market, short term versus long-term, centralize versus decentralize, process versus results). This conflict is called a Core Conflict. Due to the devastating effects caused by Core Conflicts, it’s common for organizations to create policies, measurements, and behaviors in attempts to treat those negative effects (often referred to as band-aid fixes) that, when treating the Core Conflict, must be removed, modified, or replaced. http://www.everydaykanban.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/the_theory_of_constraints_and_its_thinking_processes.pdf The core conflict is the systemic conflict that causes the vast majority of the undesirable effects in the current reality of the system being studied. TOC Handbook p. 969 Unresolved conflict in trying to satisfy two different sets of necessary conditions within the same system. By understanding the conditions that create the conflict (underlying erroneous assumptions about the system and the behaviour of its parts) we can gain insight into what few changes will be needed to solve the core problem. TOC Handbook p. 412 ![[the_theory_of_constraints_and_its_thinking_processes.pdf.crdownload]]