Higher Order Control contrasted to First Order Control, second and higher order control is when the way the mechanism is used changes.
It can be said that First Order Control is how much something is done, Second Order Control is what is done, and Third Order Control is inventing new things to do.
- As an example: The problem is that people become addicted to drugs and steal things to pay for their addiction.
- First Order Solution: increase police presence and introduce stricter laws against trafficking in drugs.
- Second Order Solution: legalize drugs; make a clear distinction between acceptable drug users who don't steal and criminals who do.
There is no reason to believe a higher order solution is preferable in all situations; but higher order solutions should be attempted when first order solutions have been shown to be ineffectual.