The Pitfalls of Overreliance on Metrics

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This chapter examines the drawbacks of relying excessively on metrics, using CompStat in policing as a prime example. It showcases how metrics can be manipulated for personal gain, leading to distorted data and a shift towards gaming the system rather than genuine improvement. The discussion emphasizes the need for a balance between metrics and informed judgment, cautioning against the negative consequences of solely using metrics as the primary measure of performance.

Historian and author Jerry Muller of Catholic University talks about his latest book, The Tyranny of Metrics, with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Muller argues that public policy and management are overly focused on measurable outcomes as a measure of success. This leads to organizations and agencies over-focusing on metrics rather than their broader mission. The conversation includes applications to education, crime, and health care.