Targets and terror

Ratle, Olivier; Robinson, Sarah; Bristow, Alexandra; Kerr, Ron

Abstract

The concept of "targets and terror" (T&T) originates from the 1930s Soviet Union, where production targets enforced through deterrence and unpredictable punishments drove dramatic results. Similar performance metrics emerged in the 1950s U.S. military and later influenced UK public health reforms in the 2000s, sparking criticism for fostering unintended consequences. Evidence shows T&T can encourage data manipulation, unethical behaviour, and output distortions, shifting organisational focus from core activities to superficial compliance. This phenomenon extends beyond healthcare, affecting sectors like academia, where metric-driven management stifles diversity, creativity, and innovation. T&T's pressures create toxic work environments, organisational decoupling, and structural inefficiencies, raising concerns about its broader societal impact. Despite growing recognition of its flaws, T&T continues to spread across various industries, perpetuating control mechanisms that undermine organisational purpose and human potential.

• Online Publication Date: Apr 30, 2025
• Publication Date: Apr 30, 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 17, 2025
• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Book Title: Elgar Encyclopedia of Critical Management Studies
• Chapter Number: 109
• ISBN: 9781800377714
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13948464
• Publisher URL: https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/elgar-encyclopedia-of-critical-management-studies-9781800377714.html
• Contract Date: Mar 8, 2023