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Efficiency as a Function of Culture
Abstract
Efficiency varies with culture. The objectives sought matter much more
than the efficiency of the actions undertaken pursuant to them; eg,
torturing people at the lowest cost is not an acceptable objective.
Because it is often difficult to determine whether an objective is
benevolent, it is argued that not only the objective, but the
instruments of action, must be morally desirable. A third rule of
effectiveness should also apply -- knowledge of cause & effect;
otherwise it would be possible to call actions efficient that do great
damage. There is often disagreement as to what constitutes a desirable
objective, compatible with our values. What is efficient for people
who prefer one way of life may not be efficient for those who value a
different culture. Thus, the same actions may be economically
efficient & culturally inefficient. 1 Reference. AA
Journal
(1991)
vol15
no1-2
pages147-153
Categories
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Evaluation and Information Management
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Accountability and Efficiency
