Problem solving is solving problem

Working as a software developer, problem solving is the fundamental skill we use day in day out. The Wikipedia provided a long list of problem solving techniques, however I am unable to find the new problem solving technique that I have learned today. This new technique is something that I have not learned or heard of before, so I am trying to figure out whether this technique is ever practice and it usefulness. The scenario where I have learned this new problem solving technique is actually not directly related to my area of job scope, but from some policy decision making from the management.

Today, my company had a meeting due to some implementation to some new policy. A benefit or entitlement (will discussed again if it should be benefit or entitlement) was removed from everyone and there was quite a bit of questioning here and there. Interestingly, when ask about the reason on why such entitlement (let just call it entitlement here first) have been removed, astonishingly the reason given was due to someone abusing this entitlement and giving problem to the people from the management.

It keeps me wondering for awhile whether this is a root cause analysis problem solving technique. Suddenly, with this new policy implemented, the problem (people abusing) are gone. Isn't it wonderful that the problem has not only been removed, but also problem related to such entitlement will never ever re-surface again!

In actual fact, the problem have been removed, however the subject have also removed totally. Don't remember ever applying such problem solving technique to my area of work. On the other hand, will such technique be really applicable in the future? Imagine, the login part of an application that you are working on, have some security loopholes. Probably, the easiest way of solving this security loophole is by removing them totally. But, things are there for a purpose and removing an object from what it is meant for need a lot of justification.

Application is developed to solve problems.... and imagine when a client coming to you and telling you all his problems, with you replying, "remove everything". Is this how thing going to work. No! Cause nothing will exist in this world, as everything will have its problem. Do not solve a problem at the convenience of removing things without any justification. Problem solving is solving problem, it is different from solving a problem by ignoring a problem and removing everything related to it totally.