Nobody ever gets credit for fixing problems that never happened (2001) [pdf]
Article URL: https://web.mit.edu/nelsonr/www/Repenning=Sterman_CMR_su01_.pdf Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48498385 Points: 208 # Comments: 72
The re-circulation of this 2001 article on Hacker News suggests a contemporary resonance with enduring themes of organizational behavior and problem prevention, often sparked by recent industry challenges or discussions on technical debt.
For a strategic reader, this item serves as a reminder of the persistent challenge in valuing preventative work and risk mitigation, areas frequently deprioritized until crises emerge, influencing long-term decision-making and resource allocation.
Little fundamentally changes, as the article highlights a perennial human and organizational challenge rather than a new development. It reinforces an existing understanding of the difficulty in quantifying and rewarding averted problems.
- · Organizational psychologists
- · Risk management consultants
- · Long-term planners
- · Short-sighted managers
- · Reactive organizations
Increased discussion on the value of 'invisible' work and preventative maintenance within tech and business communities.
Potential for some organizations to re-evaluate their incentive structures to better reward proactive problem-solving and risk mitigation.
A marginal, long-term improvement in organizational resilience and stability as awareness of this paradox grows, though systemic change remains difficult.
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Read at Hacker News — Front Page