# Reframing Scientific Value within Organizations By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2023-03-31 Within Science, learning what doesn't work is just as valuable as what does. In fact, eliminating what doesn't work is more valuable than figuring out what does work. The reason for this comes from the philosophy of science and how tests are conducted. Essentially, scientists cannot prove anything is true, but they can show what is not true. Some may think these are the same sides of the coin, but they are not. All of the theories and laws from science have only yet to be refuted - there is no conclusive evidence that they are universally true. All it takes is one counter-experiment to show that a theory is no longer valid under certain conditions. For example, it only takes one black swan to disprove the theory that all swans are white. So, what does this mean for businesses where many people advocate for scientific management? Is learning what doesn't work more valuable than what does work? All signs point to no. Companies that only learn what doesn't work quickly go out of business. Furthermore, a common executive mantra today is to fail fast. The implications are it's ok to fail, but only if one does so quickly as figuring out what does work is what really matters. The issue is that the scientific method isn't exactly known for being fast, but it's how most people think about experiments. So, a conflict emerges within every organization around experimentation. Nobody disagrees with the scientific method, but the organization doesn't value what it values. The organization will say they value science, but their actions speak much louder. Typically, analysts are on the side of the scientific method, while executives are on the side of business survival and promotion. What is the business analyst to do? You could fight the executives, but you will lose. If you are unwilling to sacrifice your ideals, I recommend reframing how you view the problem. Think of the organization itself as a scientific experiment, and do not tie your self-worth to the success or failure of that organization. If the organization fails, you know what doesn't work. Since you believe in the scientific method, this is more valuable than "fixing" the organization. #### Related Items [[Science]] [[Scientific Method]] [[Organization]] [[Business]] [[Work]] [[Experiments]] [[Value]]