Utility*

Whenever I assess the value of something, there are a few key thoughts that go through my mind. I now call this process

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the utility test:
   1.) Observe something; an object, person or entity.
   2.) Determine a purpose^†.
   3.) Evaluate how well it performs this function.

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In simpler language there are two questions to answer:

What does it do?
How well does it do it?

Example [Object]: A tool is built to cut a specific gauge of wire. If the tool does so and makes a clean cut without fraying either new end of the wire one can conclude it has good utility. If a tool of similar function only produces a firm kink in the wire or leaves very frayed ends of metal it has no or poor utility.

Example [Person]: A grocery store requires its stockers to lift items ranging from 10 to 40 pounds in the course of their daily duties. A worker who can do this passes the test. A worker who cannot lift these items fails this test and has little utility as a stocker.

Example [Entity]: A real estate business is responsible for managing its properties; signing and extending leases, maintaining grounds and equipment, addressing tenant needs and concerns, et cetera. There are many degrees to which it can perform its respective functions but at the very least an entity should pass the utility test. If said business does not complete requested work orders or reply to tenant communications then utility suffers greatly.

As the reader might have noticed, these are all nouns. An entity can be a business or a group or even an attitude. People, in their varied capacities, can have a large number of purposes. Utility, as it is addressed here, is specific as it pertains to individual functions of a person. Overall utility is where you begin to approach the topic of worth, which is a general term.



* utility -noun: 1. the state or quality of being useful; usefulness.
† purpose -noun: 1. the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used