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I distinguish five types of indicatorism: 1. performing…

“I distinguish five types of indicatorism: 1. performing easy, indicator-improving tasks; 2. avoiding difficult, indicator-worsening tasks; 3. improving an indicator for the short term, at the expense of long-term goals; 4. ignoring tasks not covered by an indicator; 5. manipulating or cheating to…” quote by Berend van der Kolk
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““I distinguish five types of indicatorism: 1. performing easy, indicator-improving tasks; 2. avoiding difficult, indicator-worsening tasks; 3. improving an indicator for the short term, at the expense of long-term goals; 4. ignoring tasks not covered by an indicator; 5. manipulating or cheating to improve an indicator.””

Berend van der Kolk

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote categorizes five indicatorism types, from easy tasks to manipulation, highlighting ethical concerns in performance measurement.

In simple terms: Five types of indicatorism range from harmless to deceptive.

Key Takeaway

Beware of gaming metrics and prioritize genuine improvement.

Themes

ethics measurement performance integrity strategy

Mood

analytical critical ethical

Type

Dashboard:1 Ethics:1 Fraud:1 Gaming:1 Indicator:1 Indicatorism:1 Measurement:1 Term Goals:1 Improving Indicator:0 Types Indicatorism:0 Indicatorism Performing:0 Indicator Manipulating:0

When to use this quote

  • business management
  • policy design
  • personal productivity

Key Concepts

indicator manipulation short‑term vs long‑term goals organizational behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure metrics reflect true progress?
  • What safeguards prevent indicator manipulation?
A Different Perspective

May be specific to certain corporate cultures.

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