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Principle of Least Effort

The Principle of Least Effort is a theory that postulates that we naturally choose the path of least resistance or effort.

When adding some constraints, or new rules, or validation processes in a human organization, we add some resistance points. The impact is to increase the difficulty to follow some paths.

If the theory applies, individuals or teams will (consciously or not) find workarounds to achieve their missions with the least effort possible.

Like the inverse Conway's law maneuver, it may be an actionable approach to shape a system leveraging expected outcomes.

Anyway, keeping it in mind when introducing a constraint may help to prevent side effects or to anticipate potential behavioral changes.

Wikipedia page (source)
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