Let's stop pretending that managers and executives care about productivity
17 days ago
- #AI-critique
- #productivity
- #management-theory
- The author reflects on modern management theory and its disregard by businesses, emphasizing that control and stock prices are prioritized over productivity and employee well-being.
- Historical context is provided, noting that modern management theory originated from WWII efforts and was influential in Japan's rebuilding but has been largely ignored in recent decades, especially in tech.
- Examples like open offices and remote work are cited to illustrate how businesses often choose surveillance and control over proven productivity and well-being benefits.
- The author questions the value of analyzing AI tools through the lens of modern management theory, given that businesses have shown little interest in productivity or effective management practices.
- Concerns about generative AI tools are listed, including financial bubbles, high costs, environmental impact, political risks, and irrational management beliefs.
- The difficulty of changing minds in organizations already committed to AI is discussed, drawing parallels to past financial bubbles like the 2007 real estate crisis.
- A technical analysis of task sequences and queueing theory is presented to argue that AI tools, due to their high variability, could harm organizational efficiency and capacity.
- The conclusion is that AI tools, when considered systemically, appear detrimental to organizations, but their adoption is driven by factors other than rational management or productivity gains.