Another reference from Willem, this time to a reported attempt to create mathematical models of 50,000 of IBM's tech consultants. Now I have not verified this one directly, but the article is from Business Week. The idea it seems is to automate management by capturing every aspects (keystrokes etc) of a persons life. Now there is no valid moral reason that I can think of that would justify this type of intrusive research. I suppose the redeeming feature is that a mathematical model could never do this in any practical (or for that matter theoretical) way or at least I hope it cannot. The justification given (my paraphrase) is as follows Imagine that your boss finally recognizes your strengths,then he puts you into situations where you will thrive. Now this does beyond scary it's perverted. How did this ever through any ethical review committee? Was there even one in place? How can the 50,000 employees have given informed consent to this level of data capture? Do they know what is being done?
Please, would someone tell me this is an early April Fool? Maybe the story is exaggerated or just crude sensationalism? I sincerely hope so.
Comments (4)
That reminds me instantly of this We The Robots cartoon:
http://www.wetherobots.com/2008/07/07/typing/
Posted by steve | September 10, 2008 6:40 AM
Posted on September 10, 2008 06:40
Looks like the author really believes (in) it. Ethics (I agree your you there) aside: if you could profile people mathematically and objectively objectivize things (which I don't believe, but let's assume), then: what would be the added value of the boss? If the best actions are optimized "mathematically", then the boss only makes them worse. Plus their salary is a waste of money.
Posted by christianhauck![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.cognitive-edge.com/blogs/dave/nav-commenters.gif)
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September 10, 2008 8:03 AM
Posted on September 10, 2008 08:03
Well as far as I can see, there is no-one called Samer Takriti working at IBM right now. I note that he is an expert in energy markets - and according to Wikipedia, he worked at Enron - so he has a great pedigree. Interestingly, you can read his emails at Enron (I guess they have been put in the public domain after the scandal).
One from Samer caught my eye - and which perhaps throws some light on his pursuits in the BW article. I wonder how much "communication and respect" would be provided if his resource management by numbers was implemented?
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As you requested, I spoke with Brad McSherry concerning the position, salary, and immediate supervisor. I asked Brad to provide a formal letter of offer and informed him that I needed it before the end of business Friday.
Unfortunately, I have not received the letter thus far. Although the job was well defined, I felt that the administrative details of the position were not clearly laid out. For example, I specifically asked last week who my manager
would be and was told that it would be you. However, I later found out (by chance) that this was not the case. Also, it was unclear whether I would be in the research group or in Enron communications.
Although these two issues are not critical and under normal circumstances would be resolved, given previous confusion regarding my role and
compensation with the research group, I feel less comfortable accepting the position. To be specific, there was an unnecessary struggle regarding my interview reimbursement and there were problems regarding my bonus. In general I feel that there has been a significant lack of communication and respect.
Therefore I feel that I am left with the decision not to make the move to Enron and feel that it would be in everyone's best interest not to pursue this any further. Thank you.
Posted by David C | September 10, 2008 5:28 PM
Posted on September 10, 2008 17:28
Hi Dave! Remember our conversation on this very same topic while in Avebury, which I mentioned to you I was going to get some more feedback and information on it and share it further in my external blog? Well, here is the outcome of it: http://www.elsua.net/2008/10/20/the-numerati-reducing-your-employees-to-numbers/
Posted by Luis Suarez | October 20, 2008 10:46 PM
Posted on October 20, 2008 22:46