Yes. But I can say that, because I am one of them. Also, I have recent research to back up that statement. The research was conducted by J. Keith Murnighan, Long Wang and Chen-Bo Zhong, and it looked at the over-emphasis on quantitative analysis in problem-solving. That is, relying too much on numbers, and not enough on other, more social factors.
Their research reviewed whether quantifying everything and reducing it to numbers means people would tend to act more unethically and selfishly, taking less account of social consciousness and motives. And they found that people do tend to do so. It appears that greed and selfishness take over and mask the more social factors. This referred to as a ’calculative mindset’.
A calculative mindset works in a short-term frame, but is not the answer for long term sustainability. The researchers propose that a better way of operating is to change the way problems of business are viewed. Rather than thinking exclusively about maximising profits, that is, grabbing as much of the pie as possible, instead think about maximising value, or creating a bigger pie, generating a sustainable business model.
The full article can be viewed here, and it is worth exploring further. As you think about your way of approaching business decisions, are you about a short term or a long term sustainable approach to business?
The Avondale Business School can assist your organisation take a longer term view – find out how by contacting Warrick Long at the Avondale Business School.
P: 02 4980 2168