The Heisenberg Principle and Business EnvironmentHeisenberg Principle of Uncertainty is one of the fundamental concepts of Quantum Physics, and is the basis for the realization of fundamental uncertainties in the ability to measure more than one quantum variable at a time. Attempting to measure an elementary particle’s position to the highest degree of accuracy, leads to an increasing uncertainty in being able to measure the particle’s momentum to high degree of accuracy. Werner Heisenberg (1901 – 1976) was a German theoretical physicist who made foundational contributions to quantum mechanics and is best known for asserting the uncertainty principle of quantum theory. In addition, he also made important contributions to nuclear physics, quantum field theory, and particle physics. In plain English, the principle says that it is impossible to determine simultaneously the position and velocity of a particle. This is due in part to the fact that observations on a system influenced the system being measured. How does this relate to business management? When you understand that the system and practice of measurement exerts a psychological influence on the people being measured, that, in and of itself, affects the operating results. The Hawthorne Effect page has another example how the act of measuring affects the outcome.
Part of the control process is measuring the results. The measuring action works like the Heisenberg Principle and affects the results. Measurement systems should focus on the desired results or activities. "You get what you inspect, not what you expect." How to use this? Communicate priorities. What is important to the manager becomes important to the employee, and what the manager does not give attention to is perceived as unimportant. Make sure you are checking on the right things. Do what Sam Walton practiced - Management by walking around.
|
