Against Evidence-Based Practice
Critics of evidence-based practice question both the quality of available research and the approach’s effect on professional judgment. Banasiewicz argues that using evidence can support dialogue and multiple perspectives rather than exclude them.
THE IDEA
Criticisms of evidence-based practice (EBP) fall into two broad categories: (1) doubts about the quality and dependability of evidence and (2) objections to the approach itself. The first concerns the research used to guide practice. The second holds that an emphasis on objective data can marginalize other perspectives and restrict professional judgment. Banasiewicz challenges that second claim.
Consider a risk manager deciding how much directors and officers liability insurance to buy. Too little coverage leaves executives and board members exposed; too much adds an unnecessary expense. Industry benchmarks and models of claim frequency and severity can inform the choice. The manager still has to judge whether those inputs apply to the organization.
Consulting evidence does not surrender that responsibility or prevent discussion. Different sources may suggest different levels of coverage, giving the manager reasons to examine several perspectives. The author’s argument is that evidence and intellectual pluralism can work together: using data need not mean treating one estimate as an unquestionable answer.
When to use it
When making resource allocation decisions in an organization, use evidence from industry benchmarks to supplement managerial judgment.
In public policy, evaluate the impact of applying evidence-based approaches versus purely ideological decision-making.
In healthcare management, balance evidence-based protocols with patient-specific circumstances and professional expertise.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
D&O Insurance Coverage Decision
A risk manager must decide how much directors and officers liability insurance to purchase. Using industry benchmarks and predictive models as evidence is contrasted with relying solely on intuition.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
In your own decision-making, do you tend to rely more on evidence or intuition? How might integrating both improve your outcomes?
Consider a scenario where evidence suggests one course, but your intuition suggests another. How would you reconcile the two?
Can you think of a situation where over-reliance on evidence might actually hinder intellectual pluralism? How could you avoid that pitfall?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Evidence-Based Decision-Making How to Leverage Available Data and Avoid Cognitive Biases (Andrew D. Banasiewicz)