Keystone Index
A conceptual formula for measuring the disproportionate impact of a species or organizational component relative to its abundance or resource allocation.
A conceptual formula for measuring the disproportionate impact of a species or organizational component relative to its abundance or resource allocation. KI = (Impact on ecosystem or organization) / (Proportional abundance or resource allocation). A species or component with KI > 1 has greater impact than its abundance would predict. KI >> 1 indicates keystone status.
When to Use Keystone Index
When assessing whether a component (technical system, customer, employee, product) has disproportionate structural importance that warrants special protection or investment.
How to Apply
Estimate Impact
Calculate the total impact if this component were removed, including direct effects (revenue, productivity) and indirect effects (cascading dependencies, strategic value).
Measure Resource Allocation
Calculate current investment in this component: headcount, budget, management attention, capital.
Calculate Ratio
Divide impact by resource allocation to get the Keystone Index.
Interpret Results
KI > 10 suggests keystone status (impact is 10x resources). KI > 50 is critical keystone. KI > 100 indicates severe under-investment in something critically important.