In recent decades, ever more of the institutions that shape our lives have sought to replace management through judgment based on experience with standardized measures of performance (“metrics”), and to reward and punish individuals and institutions accordingly, either in monetary terms (pay for performance) or honorific terms (rankings, ratings). This formula is often touted as a magic bullet that will improve the functioning of schools, universities, police forces, businesses, and health care. But the results are often counterproductive and dysfunctional, leading to short-termism, demotivation of employees, and other ills. Professor Muller’s talk will examine the sources of metric fixation, its links to managerial ideology, and its functions and dysfunctions in contemporary institutions.
The event is open to all students, staff, faculty, and members of the public.
Originally published at ndias.nd.edu.