# Accurate but Unhelpful By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-04-26 Four-square grids are helpful tools for conceptualization. In one constructed around the notions of accuracy and helpfulness, one would have four squares: accurate and helpful, accurate and unhelpful, inaccurate and unhelpful, and inaccurate and helpful. Ideally, analysts would produce work that is accurate and helpful. It is interesting to think about the situation in which analysis is inaccurate and helpful. As is frequently noted, all models are wrong; some are useful. This conceptualization goes beyond this. There are situations in which a given model is wrong but helpful. It can give confidence for action in the face of chaos and uncertainty. Sometimes all that is needed is something around which to focus action. Analysis can provide that foundation. Since the square devoted to inaccurate and unhelpful doesn’t offer much, the only one remaining is when something is accurate but unhelpful. Unfortunately, much of organizational analytics might fall into this category. All the math is done correctly, there are no flaws with the model or its assumptions, and yet the result does not inform organizational decision-making. When this occurs, analysts are quick to pin this on management. Of course, management is sometimes a problem. However, analysts contribute to this dynamic as well. If a model, or the analyst, is too esoteric, it might fail in its primary task – to inform. Be on guard against analysis that is accurate but unhelpful. After a few years, organizations might decide to discontinue its production. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Decision-making]] [[Accuracy]] [[Organizational Analytics]] [[Models]]