Definition
Often a consistent judgement strategy is not applied to an identical repetitive set of cases.
Classification reasoning
Inconsistency arises when different strategies which are incoherent with one another are applied across projects which share some kind of dependency.
Example
Using multiple testing frameworks: Consider the scenario where two teams within an organization are setting up a test framework for frontend projects. Two popular choices would be Jasmine and Jest based on recent trends. If each team decides to go with a different choice of testing framework, then it creates an inconsistency in the technology stack being used within the organization.
Impact
The direct consequence with an inconsistent strategy is difficulties in integration especially within a project which has a lot of different components. In case of the above example, it would be a common scenario if a decision is taken in the future to consolidate the technology stack and request all teams to use a single framework across all project to leverage some common components across projects. In this case, teams which are not using the selected framework would have to migrate to the chosen one increasing development overhead.
Debiasing techniques
Brainstorm the different alternatives and freeze on an option. Create a rule set defining which technologies have to be used for which scenarios for reference when setting up future projects.
Related biases
- Hyperbolic Discounting