The 20-60-20 Rule

Abstract

In this paper we discuss an empirical phenomena known as the 20-60-20 rule. It says that if we split the population into three groups, according to some arbitrary benchmark criterion, then this particular ratio implies some sort of balance. From practical point of view, this feature often leads to efficient management or control. We provide a mathematical illustration, justifying the occurrence of this rule in many real world situations. We show that for any population, which could be described using multivariate normal vector, this fixed ratio leads to a global equilibrium state, when dispersion and linear dependance measurement is considered.