Interesting origin of the phrase. The substitution of "control" for
"management" creates an ominous dark side to measurement, doesn't it?
I teach "balanced scorecards," the need to measure and reward desirable
behavior, and am quite familiar with Intel via primary research and
consulting. Yes, Intel has a passion for measurement. But they have an
equal passion for their culture and values. In my experience, the great
firms have both: strong values that lead people to extraordinary efforts
in the right direction for the business (regardless of the tangible
personal rewards), and an excellent understanding of the key metrics (with
rewards). At poorly performing companies, employees are asked to fall on
their swords in order to do the right thing for the business because the
metrics are wrong, too narrow, or blindly applied.
As I believe Weick said (and my mother, also, but Weick is more credible):
It is good to know what you are doing. This is true whether you were
trained as an engineer or as a retailer (I'm thinking Wal-Mart and
post-turnaround Sears management).
Please respond to Management Education and Development Discussion
<
MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU>
To:
MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
cc: (bcc: Rhonda Reger/Bmgt)
Subject: Re: Interviewing
I think the quote comes from the British physicist Lord Kelvin. The
version I heard was "If you can't measure it, you can't control it."
Anne
>>> Michael Levenhagen <
mlevenha@CALPOLY.EDU> 12/04 1:56 PM >>>
I like Pearl's data. It also agrees with what an old salt HR consultant
taught
me about hiring processes in the 1970's and with my personal experience (so
much
for large samples).
Furthermore, Pearl, your anonymous quote in your signature: it is a common
battle cry at Intel (but I don't know if they made it up). Engineers like
that
sort of thing.
Cheers,
M.
Rhonda K. Reger
Management & Organization Department
Robert H. Smith College of Business
University of Maryland
3337 Van Munching Hall
College Park, MD 20742-1815
phone: 301-405-2167
fax: 301-314-8787
e-mail:
rreger@rhsmith.umd.edu