this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2026
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Programming

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studies show a clear trend – output is up (more code, more commits, bigger diffs), but outcomes don’t reflect that trend. If anything, the average team is taking longer to ship worse software

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[–] dejected_warp_core@lemmy.world 28 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

There are some cardinal sins within the annals of software development in the workplace. The relevant two here are:

  • Do not build a scoreboard for productivity
  • Do not equate keystrokes with effort or value rendered

These create perverse incentives that can really screw everything up, including creating permanent damage to company culture, products, and productivity. Anytime you see these things done, it's because you have (or are) lazy-ass management.

Edit: I also just learned that this is an application of Goodhart's Law.

[–] themaninblack@lemmy.world 5 points 17 hours ago* (last edited 17 hours ago)

Oh god a former company had the burndown chart on a big plasma screen at all times