Effectiveness or efficiency which is better?

Sun Tzu never mentioned these words in his treatise “Art of War”. But he implies these two concepts in different set of words. Plainly effectiveness is getting the result while efficiency is the minimal resources employed to get that result. Which is better effectiveness or efficiency. Read more to get insight from master strategist Sun Tzu: 

Business strategy dictates that the theorem “ends-ways-means”, is undisputable. Means, undoubtedly is the key to achieve the ends. And such means need to be used judiciously in right ways. Men, machinery and materials are the three Ms often mentioned in the management science as the primary resources available for use in war and in business competition. 

Remaining un-known perhaps un-sung is yet another M which is called motivation. In war and business, motivation functions as force multiplier in addition to the other three Ms mentioned earlier. Sun Tzu spends considerable time and extent explaining the way soldiers are battling in war with encouragement by their generals. Cultivating resources is what Sun Tzu emphasises. Says the sage: “The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.”

Now that the plan is ready and the resources are cultivated, it is the matter of opportune time to engage the enemy. Therefore rules of engagement must be framed. Here is a cautionary remark from Sun Tzu: “Hence the enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution. This is the way to keep a country at peace and an army intact.” Notice the word intact. Before proceeding to war or competing in market as in the case of business, the whole workforce must be kept intact. Because at the final reckoning it is the men who weighs more as they are the ones who use materials and machines for the right purpose that too in right manner.

Three things stand out as regards to efficiency:

1. Getting the optimum out of resources; says Sun Tzu: “Again, if the campaign is protracted, the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain.” 

2. Saving limited resources; says Master Sun Tzu: “Raising a host of a hundred thousand men and marching them great distances entails heavy loss on the people and a drain on the resources of the State.” 

3. Making good with enemy supply; Sun Tzu dictates: “Hence a wise general makes a point of foraging on the enemy. One cartload of the enemy’s provisions is equivalent to twenty of one’s own—“.

In his inimitable succinct manner Sun Tzu opines that both effectiveness and efficiency are equally important. That goes for implementing any business strategy under the sun!

 

Cheers!

 

Muthu Ashraff Rajulu

Business Strategist

Mobile: + 94 777 265677

E-mail:   cosmicgems@gmail.com

Blog:   Business Strategist