The false promise of “what gets measured gets managed”

The application of mathematical logic shows the widely‐used statement: “what gets measured gets managed” to be a false statement, yet one that precipitates the management of measurements that may not add value as seen by the end‐use customer.

Abstract

Discusses the importance of precise communication as a prerequisite to achieving alignment between internal and external stakeholders. Consideration is given to popular management catch‐phrases in general, with specific analysis of the widely‐used statement: “what gets measured gets managed”. The application of mathematical logic shows this to be a false statement, yet one that precipitates the management of measurements that may not add value as seen by the end‐use customer.