Confusion entropy

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Confusion entropy /kənˈfjuːʒ(ə)n ˈɛntrəpi/ (n.)

The background level of misunderstanding and resentment which comes as a by-product of modern corporate discourse. Different types of activity generate more or less of this kind of entropy. Conference calls — especially all-hands conference calls — generate dangerously high levels. Add financial reporting folk seeking legal opinions on matters of balance sheet treatment, allow tax lawyers to converse directly with anyone else on any topic in which they have an interest and infinite bafflement is assured.

The inevitable levels of confusion entropy in a complex system lead directly to the apocalyptic predictions of the JC’s second law of worker entropy:

The JC’s second law of worker entropy: The latent confusion entropy in a complex system increases geometrically with the size of that system. Once a system, or organisation, is over a certain size, its resting-state confusion and implicit mediocrity quotient will fall out of stable equilibrium, eventually leading to the implosion of the organisation or, if it is big enough, boredom heat death of the universe itself.

See also

• Laws of worker entropy
• Boredom heat death