premise: The words efficiency and effectiveness are often considered synonymous, along with terms like competency, productivity and proficiency erroneously so. In order to distinguish between effectiveness and efficiency, we must first define these terms. Effectiveness is doing the right thing, i. e. conducting the right activities and applying the best strategies needed for competitive advantage. From a process viewpoint, it is producing the required outputs and outcomes; in other words - meeting objectives. Efficiency is doing the thing right it defines whether processes are completed while using the least amount of resources in the shortest time possible. These simple definitions point to a clear distinction that has substantial implications for businesses large and small that arise from the inherent difficulty in balancing both efficiency and effectiveness.
hypothesis: A manager who aspires to be efficient must make sure processes are completed within minimal time and resources.