This post describes three noteworthy political advantages that Value Ratings offer.
Naturally Defensible
Sometimes, in highly competitive or hypersensitive settings, lackluster ratings can be provocative. They can trigger criticism from advocates of the rated entities, be they products, persons, or parties. Fortunately, Value Ratings contain a natural safeguard to fend off criticism from parties disappointed by specific ranking results. The reason is simple but subtle.
Recall that Value Ratings reflect objective performance data combined with what you care about most. Therefore, a grievance against a poor Value Rating is also a criticism of your preferences. Few critics would choose to suggest another person’s preferences are misinformed or ought to change. Instead, Value Ratings steer critics toward a more productive strategy for obtaining high rankings — to strive for strong performance in most or all performance areas.
Enhanced Credibility
In a prior post, we saw how one-size-fits-all ratings fail individual users. By ignoring people’s personal preferences, these popular rating systems can profit by licensing promotional rights to high performers. This creates real or perceived conflicts of interest, undermining the confidence of consumers and other users who seek guidance.
Value Ratings have the opposite effect. Value Ratings reinforce the trustworthiness of the rating organization. Consumers receive personalized guidance, with an open recognition that what suits one person need not suit another. This openness dispels concerns about hidden motives and accentuates the rating organization’s goodwill and neutrality.
Education and Discovery
Value Ratings help people act when faced with complex choices. Prior to choosing, though, powerful learning opportunities arise as people complete their Preference Surveys, and they discover their personal Preference Profiles. You will see how your preferences apportion across seemingly incomparable attributes. This knowledge can be clarifying, reassuring, and conducive to taking action.
Finally, we know that over time, as experience and learning accumulate, our preference can shift. You can easily update your Preference Profile. You will become aware of the attributes that are growing or shrinking in importance to you.