In LO15353 Karl V. Koenig writes:
>The solution here is a relative ranking (subjective) of individuals
>within an engineering specialty
A difficulty with ranking individuals in any system is attributing
observable differences to a particular individual. We already know there
will be differences between people. Whether or not those differences mean
something is an important question.
If we put aside (for the moment) the issue of how we might determine if
the differences we are observing are the result of noise or signal, there
is still a basic equation that needs to be solved in order to determine
how to rank someone. The equation is: x + (xy) = 8. Where x is the actions
of the individual being evaluated; xy is the interaction of the individual
and the system; and 8 is the results (8 new patents, $800K sales, 8
mistakes, 8 whatever). Most people who subscribe to the theory that
ranking is possible believe they can solve for two unknowns with one
equation.
Even if ranking were possible, the side effects may be unwanted. One
unwanted side effect of ranking comes from the 80/30 rule (yes 80/30).
This rule says that at least 80% of us believe we belong in the top 30
percent of the population (in tests I have run to check this rule, I find
that it is closer to 90% of us have high self-regard). Ranking might be a
useful way to generate disappointment and poor morale.
Eric Budd
Rochester, MI
(248) 656-8617
ebudd@aol.com
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