Skip to main content Mobile menu button Mobile search button
The Runway Air Force Logo
  • ADELE
  • Help
  • Request membership
  • Log in
Home
Articles (1619) Collections Topics
Runway Flix (118) Archive (3210)
Search
Search
Close
Communication & Cognition

The "McNamara fallacy": When data leads to the worst decision

Jonny Thomson
01 November 2024
6 min
PME All levels

BLUF

Overreliance on quantitative data, famously termed the McNamara fallacy, can obscure critical human and contextual factors—highlighting that a balanced approach incorporating qualitative insights is essential for making well-rounded strategic decisions.
READ: The "McNamara fallacy": When data leads to the worst decision

References

  • Big Think: High factual reporting
  • COLLECTIONS/The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
  • RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE GUIDELINES LEARNING OUTCOMES ETC)
 

Related articles

10 Aug 2025
Communication & Cognition

What makes a good AI prompt? Here are 4 expert tips

6 minutes
5 Jan 2026
Communication & Cognition

What Did the Biophilia Hypothesis Get Wrong?

8 minutes
18 Jan 2025
Communication & Cognition

Researchers Figured Out How Many Bits Per Second of Data the Human Brain Can Process

4 minutes
Armed Forces of Ukraine soldiers conduct a trench clearance serial as part of OP KUDU Rotation 10 in the United Kingdom.
12 Oct 2025
Communication & Cognition

Since WWII, it’s been taboo to force nations to cede land after war. Russia wants to normalise conquest again

10 minutes
Stay in the loop
  • ADELE
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • About
  • Contribute
  • Privacy
  • Acceptable Use Policy
  • Strategic Partner – Interserv

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that images and names of deceased persons may appear on this website

  • Help
  • Request membership
  • Login
  • Home
  • Articles (1619)
  • Collections (38)
  • Topics
  • Runway Flix (118)
  • Archive (3210)
  • Events
  • Wirraway (ADELE)
  • Search