I guess I was more looking for an entire category (or industry) of jobs that was deemed "BS" - since that is what I thought the author was implying. But neverth

I guess I was more looking for an entire category (or industry) of jobs that was deemed "BS" - since that is what I thought the author was implying. But nevertheless, I have considered your example. I have the following thoughts: -Are these data analysts preparing accurate (factual) reports? If so, then I would contend that they are in fact doing a useful service by allowing upper management to make better resource allocation decisions (i.e. more accurately determine which division is performing the best). -If the data analysts are employed to produce inaccurate or biased reports purely for the benefit of the division managers, then I believe this would be an example of illegal behaviour and an agency problem. For this reason, I would expect that the head office would employ (neutral) data analysts to avoid this problem.