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Measurement Gap

Definition​

Measurement Gap refers to dynamics in which work proceeds without the comparison criteria required for decision-making, and situations where postponement and ad hoc responses become established as rational behavior are repeatedly observed.

Dynamics​

  • Situations are observed where work and changes accumulate without defined measures for decision-making
  • Results and impact are not observed, and appropriateness is discussed in post-hoc impressions
  • Because comparison and verification cannot be performed, maintaining the status quo is treated as the safest choice

Observable Signals​

  • Situations are observed where effects of improvement or change cannot be explained numerically
  • Retrospectives remain in sharing impressions and opinions
  • States are observed where the basis for priorities is situation-dependent and cannot be reproduced

Amplifying Conditions​

This dynamic tends to strengthen when the following conditions overlap.

  • Handling domains where uncertainty is high and results do not appear immediately
  • Cost of quantification is high, or judged unnecessary

What This Is Not​

  • This does not aim to indicate methods for designing appropriate KPIs or indicators
  • This does not present management by numbers as a panacea
  • This does not make measurement itself a goal

Consequences​

  • Situations continue where decisions depend on experience or loudness of voice, and decision avoidance becomes rationalized
  • Learning becomes difficult to sustain, and the same trial and error tends to be repeated

Connections​

Last updated on by Hiroshi Kurabayashi