What type of models help clarify what stakeholders are willing to do about a problem?

Descriptive models are instrumental in illustrating the current state of systems or processes and how stakeholders perceive and respond to specific problems. By detailing and depicting the actual conditions, behaviors, and responses of stakeholders, these models allow for a better understanding of the motivations and limitations of those engaged in a system or process.

Through the representation of stakeholder interactions, decision-making processes, and contextual factors, descriptive models provide insights into what stakeholders are willing to do regarding a particular issue. This can involve understanding their priorities, their levels of commitment, and the constraints they face. Unlike prescriptive models, which suggest what should be done, or functional models that focus on system operations and requirements, descriptive models concentrate on the realities and perceptions of stakeholders, making them vital when assessing willingness to act within systems engineering.

In contrast, statistical models emphasize analyzing numerical data to identify patterns or correlations, and functional models define actions or requirements without directly addressing stakeholder willingness or perspectives. These differences highlight why descriptive models are particularly suited for clarifying stakeholder attitudes and readiness to engage with a problem.