Measurement matters : how effective assessment drives business and safety performance

Annotation Much of what is measured in business, especially in safety, is governed by conventional wisdom. In many cases, there are absolutely no data to support the conventional wisdom, and often the evidence that does exist indicates that the conventional wisdom is wrong. This book improves on the conventional wisdom and help readers avoid misdirected decisions driven by flawed measures. The purpose of our book is to help others make better decisions because they have good measures based on sound theory of effective measurement. Rather than trying to lay out a set of procedures or practices that can used to improve safety, the authors hope to provide the theoretical knowledge that will enable the reader to understand and address the underlying causes of management-system problems. PRAISE FOR Measurement MattersMeasurement Matters by Carder and Ragan is a book that should be read by practitioners interested in understanding and improving the underlying factors that affect the safety, health and environmental performance of firms. - Isadore (Irv) Rosenthal, Senior Fellow Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes CenterNominated by President Clinton, and confirmed by the Senate, to a five-year position as a member of the National Chemical Safety and Hazards Investigation Board in 1998 Many organizations still operate with an all-too-familiar polarization between managers and employees. The work of employees is checked, measured, audited, and rechecked. Incentive programs, quotas, and evaluations are doggedly adhered to. And often, as a result, resources are wasted, morale plummets, and defects actually increase. Why exactly does this system continue to run amok? What is an effective alternative? By installing an effective assessment process that successfully measures employee performance without impeding production, the organization can become more efficient and employee satisfaction increases. Measurement Matters builds on the principles of Dr. W. Edwards Deming, as well as the life experiences of both authors, to create a unique, proven approach to effecting positive change in organizations and individuals. This book is full of entertaining, eye-opening examples we can all relate to that combine human psychology with hard data to prove there is a better way. By implementing positive change, and properly measuring and assessing the progress, an organization and its employees can grow and prosper. PRAISE FOR Measurement Matters'Measurement Matters by Carder and Ragan is a book that should be read by practitioners interested in understanding and improving the underlying factors that affect the safety, health and environmental performance of firms.'Isadore (Irv) Rosenthal, Senior Fellow Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center Nominated by President Clinton, and confirmed by the Senate, to a five-year position as a member of the National Chemical Safety and Hazards Investigation Board in 1998. The fundamental principles of Dr. Deming's approach Dr. Deming's system of profound knowledge Some principles of measurement Incident-based measures Incident investigation Systematic observation of behavior Audits The safety survey Taking action based on the survey Leadership