[vegetablepotpie]

The barge company in question is Koch Industries (yes, that Koch Industries). Starting in 1982 they leveraged Deming’s ideas, realized 30% profits, and pushed it far enough to enter the dark side.

> Koch’s dedication to Deming’s ideas eventually led the company into several sticky situations, not the least being targeted in a Senate Select Committee investigation for oil theft in 1988, a direct result of immense internal pressure on employees as part of its continuous improvement program.

[1]

This is powerful stuff. When you empower people and set a goal, they will do anything it takes to hit that goal, including breaking the law.

[1] https://commoncog.com/deming-paradox-operational-rigour/

[DanielHB]

Half of the point of Deming's books is that you should not set goals. Measure yes, but not goals. Especially not tied to incentives like bonuses or promotions.