Human Factor Academy Papers Guide
A Guide To Understanding The Fundamental Principles Of Human Factor Theory
Senyo Adjibolosoo
2484 Bartel Place
San Diego, CA 92123
U.S.A.
Review of Human Factor Studies 2 (1): 1-26
© 1996 International Institute for Human Factor Development
Abstract
There is nothing more harmful than ignorance. If the human race is to make positive and lasting progress in dealing with its fundamental problems, people must be assisted to evaluate new ideas, principles, structures, and products objectively before deciding either to accept or reject them. Since the general tendency of many people is to reject new concepts and applications without having first sought to understand the issues at stake, the objective of this paper is to help those who may still be lacking specific knowledge about human factor (HF) principles to gain some insight into what the HF means and its significance to nation building and citizenship development.
RESUME: Les gens ont souvent tendance a rejeter toute idee ou toute application nouvelle sans meme chercher a comprendre ce qu'elles contiennent. Et pourtant, l'humanite ne peut accomplir des progres durables dans la recherche de solutions a ses problemes fondamentaux que si les individus font des choix eclaires bases sur une evaluation objective des nouveautes (idees, principes, structures ou produits). C'est dans cet esprit que le present article se propose d'expliquer le concept de facteur humain et son importance pour l'edification d'une nation.
1. Introduction
The eighteenth century British poet, Alexander Pope, observed that "a little learning [knowledge] is a dangerous thing. Drink deep or taste not the Pierian Spring. There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain and the drinking largely sobers us again."1 But, while this may be true, it is what is not known that is the major problem. While slight knowledge is dangerous, ignorance offers individuals no safety. Nevertheless, one of the major reasons why plans, policies, programs, and projects fail is the unwillingness of people to school themselves out of their ignorance. Those who register for and graduate from the university of ignorance are people who deny themselves the ability to comprehend the critical issues and policies which govern their lives. Ignorance most often leads people in the wrong direction and defrauds them of the power to embrace relevant ideas and principles useful for dealing with the nagging problems of humanity.
If the human race wishes to make positive and lasting progress in dealing with its moral, social, economic, political, cultural, and intellectual problems, procedures have to be developed to help people to evaluate objectively2 new ideas and principles before deciding either to accept or reject them. Since the general tendency of most people is to outrightly reject new ideas, objects, and products without having first understood the new ideas and concepts they rejected, or what the developers of new products are offering, the objective of this paper is to help those who may still be lacking specific knowledge about the tenets of HF theory to comprehend what those principles are. The paper is written simply in order to be easily understood by people from all walks of life, especially the least schooled and/or educated. The dramatization technique will make the HF principles come to life.
2. Scene One: The Definition of the Human Factor
The scene is a final year undergraduate university classroom. It is time for an advanced multidisciplinary studies course. For most of the semester, the focus will be on the HF. The teacher, Dr. Korbla, walks into the classroom and is met by students who are eager and ready to learn today's lesson. As soon as Korbla enters the classroom, he calls everybody to attention and then begins the lesson on the HF.
Korbla: It is that time of the day again. Isn't today's weather gorgeous?
Amavi: Yes! What a wonderful day indeed.
Korbla: Well, we need to enjoy it while it lasts. But . . . .(Anani interrupts the teacher).
Anani: Sir, I heard in the news that this weather will last for the next two weeks. My family is planning to go camping this coming weekend. We are hoping to make the best of our outing. I love this kind of weather very much.
Amavi: I remember that last year, around this same time, we also had great weather. My family wanted to enjoy the weather, so we went to a beautiful provincial park for a family picnic. Oh, boy! Surprise! Surprise! What a rude awakening! We came home very disappointed. We'll never go there again.
Anani: Why? Did someone beat you up or rob you? Did it rain? What was the problem?
Amavi: No, nothing drastic happened, but the place was disgusting. It was as if, in the previous night, some wild animals had come to the campground and spread garbage all around. Garbage cans--even the few that were still intact--didn't seem to have been emptied for weeks. Incredible! The park was like a garbage dump. The place reeked! It was impossible for us to enjoy ourselves. Oh, I tell you, we all wondered why such a thing could happen in this wonderful country. It is unthinkable. Yet it did! Oh. . . .(Korbla cuts in).
Korbla: Hold it there, Amavi. You have gotten us started on today's lesson. What you are beginning to talk about now is an HF issue. Since you have begun to get into it, we will continue to discuss the HF and its significance to the human enterprise.
Karim: Sir, what exactly do you mean by the term, the HF? Amavi was telling us an interesting story about her terrible experience in the park. I am wondering why you say that is an HF issue?
Anani: Yes, please tell us more about the HF. Yesterday, when I was going home from school, I overheard two young people in the bus arguing about the HF and its relevance to society. The argument between them was fierce. Yet, although they kept on using the term all through the bus ride to the station where I got off, I was disappointed that they never defined it. I planned to ask you about it today at the beginning of class, but I forgot to do so. Please explain to us the HF concept.
Amavi: Yes, could you please explain to us as simply as possible what the HF implies?
Korbla: Well, if you will stop asking so many questions for a moment, I will try to help you understand the HF concept. But first, let's go through the whole classroom to find out what each of you thinks the HF is. I will give each of you a few minutes to think about it before we proceed. Recall Amavi's experiences about last year and my comments and do your best to tell us what you believe the HF term means. Let's start from this side (pointing to the left row) of the class and take turns. That means that you have to begin the process, Akutor.
Akutor: I think that the HF term means people's morality and how individuals go about accomplishing assigned tasks.
Korbla: O.K. Thank you. Next person, Karim.
Karim: In my view, I think that the HF term refers to narrow-minded religious teachings that have never helped anybody in life. It is nothing more than people's passion for unproductive religious ideals.
Anani: How can you say that religious teachings are useless? Do you . . . . (Korbla cuts in).
Korbla: It is not yet time for debate, Anani. We need to hear every person's views before we can analyze, evaluate and/or debate them. Thank you. It is your turn, Kweku.
Kweku: I don't have a clue, sir. Let me think some more. Maybe I can contribute later.
Anani: I think that the HF relates to people's behavior and attitudes wherever they find themselves--whether at school, at work, at play and so on. It relates to people knowing what is right and doing it and shunning what is wrong.
Karim: Aha! I knew it! I knew that Anani would bring his moral issues into class again. He always brings his religious, moral, and psychological views to bear on all issues. Yet. . . . (Korbla cuts in).
Korbla: Please, follow the rules. You know better than that. You can't do that, Karim. Next. . . (now, everyone has had his or her turn in the class). Well, you've all done very well. I never would have imagined that you would present such a variety of interesting ideas. I know that many of you want to debate the issues raised by what your friends view the HF to be. The class period is almost used up. We will pick up the debate at the next class. But before we leave class for today, let me give you a definition for the HF to take home with you. I have written it out on the blackboard for you. The term, HF, is "the spectrum of personality characteristics and other dimensions of human performance that enable social, economic and political institutions to function and remain functional over time. Such dimensions sustain the workings and application of the rule of law, political harmony, a disciplined labor force, just legal systems, respect for human dignity and the sanctity of life, social welfare, andso on. As is often the case, no social, economic or political institutions can function effectively without being upheld by a network of committed persons who stand firmly by them. Such persons must strongly believe in and continually affirm the ideals of society" (Adjibolosoo, 1993, p. 142 and 1994, p. 26).
This is how the HF theorists perceive the HF to be. Copy it into your notebooks for further analysis. Now, when you go home, I want you to review this definition of the HF and come to the next class fully prepared to participate in the discussion and/or debate regarding the HF and its significance to everything we do as human beings (The bell rings and everyone is ready to leave the classroom). Particularly, you may want to reflect on the HF and the garbage issue we encountered today in class.
3. Scene Two: The Composition of The Human Factor
Second advanced multidisciplinary studies class on the HF. Just before teacher comes in, all students present are seated, quiet and ready to enter into a more detailed discussion on the HF concept. Korbla comes in, walks directly to the front of the class, and begins right away.
Korbla: I hope that every one of you did the homework I gave you at the end of the last class. Today, we will just go through the discussion to help us comprehend fully the meaning of the HF. Anyone who is ready can begin the discussion, and the rest of the class can join in as appropriate. Now, let's begin with the question, "In your review and study of the definition of the HF, what have you learned?"
Karim: I spent a great deal of time trying to decipher what this definition is all about. As I thought deeper and deeper about it, I am still convinced that people think the HF is solely a religious issue. If my interpretation is right, then the HF concept will be difficult to accept by people who subscribe to different religions. I realize that the HF definition you furnished us with has some elements of truth in it in that it talks about how personal characteristics make people either perform their duties very well or fail to do them as expected. If this is the primary focus, then I have no problem with the definition. But if it is related to religious issues, I will argue that this concept cannot be useful to everyone.
Amavi: When I went home last night, I read through the definition of the HF term to all the members of my family. Since yesterday was our family day, I asked the rest of my family to discuss the term with me so that I could learn more from my parents, brothers, and sister. We had a great evening. My mom and dad became very interested in the concept. They asked me to read your definition over again and I did. During the discussion, my mom and dad said they agreed fully with the definition. When I asked them to explain why they thought so, they told all of us stories upon stories about their business experiences. They told us about how they began their business and worked very hard to build a successful business career. My dad recalled how he and my mom were not only committed to achieving success, but were also concerned about personal integrity, accountability, responsibility, commitment, and trustworthiness. When they exhibited these traits, their business flourished. They expanded by opening the business at other locations in the country. While this was happening, they had to hire many other people as employees to help them run the newly established outlets.
To their utter surprise, most of the newly opened outlets began to have severe problems. They were not only losing money, but company property was not being properly cared for. Surprise visits by my parents to these locations enabled them to discover that the people they hired did not have the personal qualities that are necessary for true success in the business world. Although they had state of the art technology to use and other cooperant factors, the people they hired just couldn't get the work done as efficiently as expected, even with the right knowledge and skills! They had to close some of the outlets and also fire some recalcitrant employees, replacing them with people who practiced integrity, accountability, responsibility, and commitment. In these cases, they experienced tremendous success. From all the stories they relayed to me and my brothers and sister last night, we all came to the conclusion that it is people who possesses the human qualities I just mentioned, that societies, countries, businesses, and organizations need to be successful in achieving their intended objectives.
Karim: Not so, Amavi. What societies, businesses, organizations, and countries need in order to achieve the best level of human potential are good and efficient institutions, systems, models, theories, equipment, technology, the scientific method, etc. that will facilitate daily human peak performance. Don't you know that societies that fail to establish efficient institutions, institutional structures, and/or capacity never develop?
Anani: (turning first to Karim and then to Amavi) Karim, I am convinced that you are very wrong. You seem to be oblivious to the fact that systems, institutions, equipment, and technology are developed by people. If this premise is acceptable to you, you need to convince everyone in this classroom how these can be developed and operated without people. I agree fully with the assessment of Amavi's family. We also had a similar discussion at home. My family was very interested in the HF concept. When I read the basic definition for the first time to the family, my mom asked me about where I found that little piece of information. She wanted me to re-read it to her once again, and I did a second time. She immediately called my dad and asked him to listen while I read it over again a third time. After having done so, they both turned to each other and wondered whether our education system should not begin to help our youth to acquire the human characteristics of personal integrity, accountability, responsibility, commitment, tolerance, diligence, competence, and trustworthiness. Our discussion at home was very much in agreement with the definition for the HF our teacher gave us last class. Karim is always out to lunch!
Kweku: I didn't have an extended discussion with my family. However, I brought the HF definition to some of my friends and we brainstormed the issue. In our discussion, most of my peers came to the conclusion that personal characteristics not only affect human action, but also are truly necessary for effective and efficient human performance. We kind of agreed that until a society or country or business or organization has a group of people who have acquired the appropriate personality traits, it will make very little progress.
Akutor: Truly, our discussions today seem to be suggesting that the state of the HF in every society is either a sine qua non or a severe hindrance to the attainment of success. If this is true, it means that every society must focus on HF development. The HF is more desirable and more lasting than incentives and other forms of temporary rewards. We will achieve better results through HF development than by creating more laws, regulations, toughening young offenders' acts, and so on. Indeed, prevention of problems through HF development programs is better than cure.
Karim: I am very surprised that every one of you seems to be highly fascinated with and hooked on the idea of the HF. No wonder you are all jumping and sticking out your rusty academic tongues at me! You all seem to be suggesting to me that unless the HF is developed, society will not be able to achieve the best for itself. Regardless of how excited you all are about the HF concept, I am not quite sure whether I have fully comprehended the true composition of the HF. Maybe, to clarify further, sir, I have seven nagging questions to which I need answers right now. First, what is the composition of the HF? Second, if we have effective and efficient institutions, systems, technology, scientific procedures, etc. to have the job done, what do we need the HF for? Recall that both capitalism and democracy have accomplished a great deal for humanity throughout the centuries without having anyone talk about the HF. Third, if the HF is actually critical for social, economic, political, intellectual, and cultural progress, why did generations ahead of us accomplish a lot without it? Fourth, can we say that the level of development attained by the developed countries is primarily attributable to the state of the HF in these countries? Fifth, what can we say about the relationship between the slave trade, forms of discrimination and the HF of those who practiced (and still do practice) them? Sixth, why do we observe that people from developing countries suddenly alter their attitudes and/or behavior toward work when they migrate to or visit the developed countries? Finally, are the developed countries currently experiencing HF decay and/or underdevelopment of tremendous proportions? If you could answer these questions, the HF concept and/or theory would become more meaningful to all of us. Please note that these questions were made up with my friends when we met to discuss the issues covered in the definition you gave us on the HF.
Korbla: These are very interesting and important questions and we need to answer them all systematically. However, since we don't have much time left to answer all seven questions now, we will answer the first one and then focus on the second and third questions in subsequent classes. We will touch briefly on the remaining four, followed with reading assignments to help you to do more work on HF theory. In reality, the first question is right on because its answer will open up our minds further to the concept of the HF. Let's begin by talking about an issue we are all familiar with. How many of you know how automobiles run? (Karim's hand goes up first). Yes, Karim, tell us what you know.
Karim: My dad is an automechanic. As such, I sometimes work with him in his shop on weekends. As I have worked with my dad for the last few months, I have come to realize that if any vehicle is to perform very efficiently, then all of its critical parts must function perfectly. For example, if the transmission system of any vehicle fails to function as expected, the vehicle cannot be used. Similarly, the tires, steering wheel, exhaust system, electrical system, and so on. But. . . . (Korbla interjects).
Korbla: Well, that is a great deal of information to learn and assimilate. Let's turn to the rest of the class and find out what they know (Akutor's hand goes up).
Akutor: Usually, vehicles run on different types of fuel or gas. As such, a performing vehicle must have its accelerator (gas) pedal in good order. Otherwise, it may not transfer the necessary power generated by the engine to run the vehicle. In addition to this, when we drive our cars, we also wish to stop when it is necessary or when we want to. Few people want to run red lights or drive past intended destinations, let alone crash into other vehicles and/or objects. It is, therefore, important that the brakes of a functioning automobile be in good shape continuously. In the same way. . . . (Korbla begins to speak).
Korbla: Stop there for a moment, Akutor. Let's hear what Amavi has to say.
Amavi: (hesitates a little bit). I don't really know very much about automobiles. But one aspect of a vehicle that I don't believe has yet been mentioned in the discussion so far is the clutch and/or gear system. For example, in standard transmission vehicles, the clutch must function correctly for the driver to be in the position to alter speed by changing or shifting gear from time to time. If this is not possible, the car may not be of any significant use, even if all other parts are functioning perfectly well. In the case of. . . . (Korbla cuts in).
Korbla: Hold it there, Amavi. You all are very well-informed students. You know more about automobiles than I do. All I do is drive one. When I jump into my car, all I want it to do is to carry me successfully to my destination and back. If we were to pull together everything you have all said so far, it can be argued that any vehicle that doesn't possess a functioning accelerator pedal, a brake system, and a clutch (either automatic or standard) may not be useable. That is, if any of these gadgets does not function as expected, the vehicle may not be used. For example, a brand new car that has everything but brakes will serve no good purpose. Similarly, regardless of how excellent the accelerator pedal may be, if the clutch and/or gear system are non-functional, the vehicle cannot perform. Above all, without a driver, however, even if all three parts are in excellent condition, the vehicle may not perform its intended function. That is, an individual who knows how to drive well is required to operate a vehicle.
When this analogy is stretched a little further, one can equate a car to a nation. That is, just as a car with an excellent engine and other accessory parts cannot be operated without a driver, so also a nation cannot be effectively and efficiently governed to achieve social, economic, and political progress without people who possess the critical HF characteristics. Indeed, in the case of a nation, while the people in charge of running everything represent the driver, the HF is the engine. Just as a car's engine has its many parts, so also does the HF. In both cases, the availability of a driver is necessary but not sufficient for successful operation. The engine and its accessory parts must also be in excellent condition. Human beings, using their acquired HF, are able to achieve or fail to accomplish intended tasks depending on the nature of their acquired HF. In general, every human being has a physical body, a human soul, and a human spirit. Each of these aspects needs continuing nurturing to function as expected. These three must interact effectively in conjunction with each other in order for a person to perform at his or her best.
Building on this view of the human being, the HF theory recognizes that there are at least six critical dimensions of the HF. These components include spiritual capital, moral capital, human capital, aesthetic capital, human abilities, and the human potential. Each of these elements of the HF is described in Table 1. Without having developed the HF components in its people, a society will be faced with imminent disaster in terms of running successfully its social, economic, and political institutions and programs. As is often the case, any programs aimed at HF development must be directed at the continuing enhancement of its six component parts. If this is not done properly, people may not perform at their best when they have not been assisted to develop their own HF traits. Effective and efficient human performance requires a well-developed HF. Indeed, long-lasting human prosperity and success require a balanced nurturing and development of each of these integrated components of the HF in every person. Failure to do so will result in suboptimal living and human performance. Yet, the development of both the spiritual and moral capital, although very critical to the running of the human enterprise, is currently being either ignored or neglected in many societies. In the past, nations that experienced steady development paid significant attention to the development of both the spiritual and moral capital of their citizens. The manner in which most societies view and treat each component of the HF today reveals that while some components like human and aesthetic capital are being emphasized, others like the spiritual and moral capital are being ignored. Today, one doesn't have to travel too far away from one's own neighborhood to see the huge proliferation of fitness centers, sports arenas, hospitals, clinics, health and food stores/restaurants, and so on. You see many people either riding bikes for exercising or jogging to be physically fit. People are into the habit of "eating healthy" so that they can live longer. The continuing growth of health centers is indicative of people's concern for improving personal health and maintaining life-prolonging styles of living. Furthermore, we have many counselling centers all around us. We care about people's emotional well-being. Similarly, schools, colleges, universities, training centers, and so on are being built and commissioned everyday to impact knowledge and promote the acquisition of human and aesthetic capital. Excellent seminars and conferences are being developed and presented to teach people the "how to's" of effective job performance. We produce great intellectuals and performers in all kinds of activities and professions who, though physically fit and mentally capable, are not only moral derelicts but also spiritual dwarfs. These people often experience severe ongoing emotional turmoil and thus usually fail to function as expected. They engage in certain kinds of behavior that are contrary to natural laws and/or principles that underlie human life and performance. Any talks regarding morality and spiritual issues create heated debates and/or arguments. We would rather leave these issues to private individuals to deal with. Yet when people desire to hold public office, we screen and scrutinize their morality, emotional stability, and spiritual vitality and/or maturity. Thus, deep down in the inner courts of our hearts and psyches, we believe that people who lack both spiritual and moral capital cannot function effectively as true leaders or followers as expected of them in society. Yet, we continue to ignore and, therefore, fail to create programs to develop these critical elements of the HF, only to concentrate on a few components (i.e., human capital acquisition and aesthetic capital development, etc.). All other relevant dimensions are ignored. What we see today is over-emphasis on the fitness and health of the physical body (i.e., physique or personal appearance), intellectual development and, in very negligible ways, the emotional maturity and/or well-being of people.
The failure to recognize the actual importance of both spiritual and moral capital in recent years has led men and women in many societies to abandon their development. Most of our schools, colleges, universities and other institutions of learning and/or training have tended to focus on investment in human capital, a very small component of the HF (see Table 1).
Table 1 - The Composition Of The Human Factor
SPIRITUAL CAPITAL
•It is the aspect of the human personality that is usually in tune with the universal laws and principles of human life. It equips the individual to see beyond what the five senses are able to grasp and also furnishes him or her with deeper insights into the non-material world.
MORAL CAPITAL
•It represents habits and attitudes of the human heart that are based on universal principles regarding right or wrong. It refers to the qualities individuals possess that lead them to conform or not to conform to universal principles of life. Its constituents include integrity, humility, justice, charity, patience, honesty, sensitivity, fairness, etc.).
Aesthetic Capital
•A deep sense of and love for beauty. It includes a strong passion for music, art, drama, dance and other artistic capacities (imagination and creativity are strong components.
Human Capital
•The know-how and acquired skills (i.e., technical, conceptual, intellectual, analytic and communications); human experiences, knowledge, intelligence, physical well-being, emotional health, etc.
Human Abilities
•These constitute the power or capacity of an individual to competently undertake projects or effectively perform tasks requiring mental and physical effort. They are required for the effective use of human capital. Examples include wisdom, vision, commitment, determination, diligence, courage, accountability, judgment, responsibility, competence, motivation, human energy, optimism, endurance, self-control, objectivity, reliability, and so on.
Human Potentials
•They are the human talents that may or may not be harnessed and employed for human utilization. These may be referred to as the yet undeveloped and unused dimensions of the HF.
Source: Adjibolosoo, S. 1995a. The Human Factor in Developing Africa. Westport, CT: Praeger (pp. 33-38).
Due to the severe neglect of the other dimensions of the HF, ongoing education programs continue to fail to produce people who have acquired the critical HF characteristics. This phenomenon has led to the creation of unbearable social, economic, and political problems for many societies. It is an undeniable fact, therefore, that continuing investment in human capital acquisition alone will not lead a society to deal effectively with its ongoing problems in all walks of life (the bell rings). Thus, returning to the car analogy once again, it can be argued that even when an individual has acquired the most recent state of the art automobile, he or she must also have the knowledge and/or information, skills, abilities, and other relevant human qualities required to operate the vehicle both efficiently and effectively. Otherwise, when these are lacking, a car that is in an excellent condition will not be of any significant use to its owner. As such, the mere development and/or acquisition of new technology does not necessarily guarantee its successful utilization. The HF is necessary for efficient performance in every regard. Well, it is time to go. We will continue tomorrow. As usual, go over these ideas and come back to the next class with your questions, insights, and contributions.
4. Scene Three: The Significance of the Human Factor
Today, the whole class is well-seated, ready and expecting Dr. Korbla to arrive. As soon as the teacher comes in, everyone sits up straight and gets focused. Korbla walks in with a smile on his face and proceeds to the center of the class, ready to commence teaching.
Korbla: Well, it is another class period. Let’s see how much we can do today since this is our last class on the HF theory for this week. How many of you read yesterday’s local newspapers? Did you hear about the huge scandal uncovered in the President’s office? Did you also read about those two kids who killed their parents, hoping to collect their life insurance and inheritance earlier than scheduled? Did anybody read today’s local newspaper? It carries a report on how the mayor of our city used municipal funds to further his own personal agenda. What about the section of the paper on street crimes? The list is very long!
Karim: Yes, I read all these stories. But sir, what has any of these got to do with the HF?
Amavi: (turning to Karim) Karim, you just don’t get it! Can’t you understand that these problems exist mostly because of the continuing HF decay and/or underdevelopment we are experiencing in our society today? Our leaders are indulging in these kinds of behaviors because they lack personal integrity, accountability, responsibility, trustworthiness and commitment. They take oaths of allegiance only to break them while in office. They make election promises they do not keep. If this behavior of theirs doesn’t have anything to do with the HF, you tell the whole class what you think. For some time now, our social, economic, and political institutions don’t seem to be achieving their intended goals. We have travelled successfully to the moon. We have developed wonderful computer and/or electronics technology that is revolutionizing our lives and the way we think and do things. Yet we cannot co-exist peacefully but use guns and other weapons against each other. Humanity is becoming more and more insensitive to human suffering and problems. In the good old days, contractual arrangements and/or agreements of all kinds were made, confirmed, and sealed on or by mere handshake between people or organizations or countries. These days, many people are beginning to write out pre-nuptial agreements and/or contracts before they decide to live together or get married. The main object for doing so is to minimize problems of property distribution when the marital union falls apart. We have designed and developed plans, policies, programs, and projects to help us to solve most of our social, economic, and political problems. Yet regardless of how much harder we try each time, we seem to be regressing rather than progressing. Our technological advancement doesn’t seem to be achieving any significant successes in dealing effectively with our ongoing social, economic, and political problems. To me, these problems are a result of the continuing neglect of HF development in our country. If we really desire to make the best out of our technological advancement, we need to pay more attention to the whole person development. This will involve programs aimed at HF development.
Korbla: Let’s not allow this debate to degenerate into anything else we don’t intend it to. Both of you have reminded us about the remaining questions that have to be answered. The second question is "If we have effective and efficient institutions, systems, technology, etc. to get the job done well, what do we need the HF for?” What do the rest of the class think about this question? Let’s hear what your thoughts are (Kweku puts up his hand). Yes, Kweku, what do you have to say?
Kweku: Since we heard these questions in our last class, I have found myself repeatedly pondering them. As I think much more deeply about them, the primary corollary question that comes to my mind is "Where do culture, institutions, systems, and technologies come from?” To answer this question, my experience tells me that these are human creations. For example, the legal, social, economic, political (i.e., democracy, authoritarianism, dictatorship, etc.), and cultural systems of our society have been created by men and women to assist them to deal with their pertinent problems successfully. Similarly, social institutions are also human innovations that are aimed at bringing order into society. This being the case, each of these systems and/or institutions is organized and run by people. Their successes and/or failures depend on the levels of integrity, accountability, responsibility, trustworthiness, and commitment exhibited by those in charge of seeing that these systems and organizations do their job. In view of these, I think that the simplest answer to Karim’s second question is that no humanly created institution and/or system will be able to fulfill its mandate if it does not have people who possess the critical HF characteristics to run it. Any attempts to do so will fail. I believe strongly that this is one of the primary reasons why most of our social institutions and technological innovations are failing continuously to achieve their intended goals and/or objectives (Adjibolosoo, 1995c).
Korbla: (He walks to the overhead projector and places a transparency containing Figure 1. He then shows it to the students). What Kweku has just said is a model answer to the second question Karim posed in the previous class (turning to Kweku, Korbla asked. . . .). Did you read through my lecture notes for today? (The whole class burst out laughing) You said exactly what I have prepared to tell the whole class. (Korbla pointing to Figure 1) Now, let’s look at Figure 1.
Note that in this figure, both institutions and the HF have to work hand-in-hand to bring positive changes into society (i.e., development, industrial progress, etc.). While institutions are the door, the HF is the key to opening the doors of development. As such, institutions and systems are necessary but not sufficient for human-centered development and/or progress. For any institution or system to accomplish successfully its intended goals, it needs to have men and women who have acquired the HF traits necessary to steer its affairs. If the HF issue is neglected, these institutions will have a hard time trying to achieve their objectives (Adjibolosoo, 1995a, 1995b, and 1995c). Through an effective and efficient simultaneous interaction between the HF and institutions, relevant rules and principles are generated to facilitate the development process. In most cases, these become the primary foundation for a people’s culture. In the same manner, political systems, whether democratic, socialist (communist), or a combination of both need the HF in order to fulfill their objectives. None of these systems will lead to positive results without consideration of the HF.
Similarly, many businesses, for some time now, have been trying to enhance productivity and quality through total quality management (TQM) programs. This technique seeks to increase productivity and quality through continuing focus on system improvement and the use of advanced technology. Yet many businesses that adopted these programs have failed to achieve their intended goals through the use of TQM. This is so because TQM fails to take into account the relevance of the HF. If you see any businesses that have made any positive gains through the use of TQM programs, you will perceive immediately that they have employees who have acquired some degree of the HF. Usually, the failure of TQM programs is finally blamed on inefficient systems and/or old-fashioned technology. We need to recognize that system inefficiency is primarily a result of HF decay and/or underdevelopment. Any company that desires to deal successfully with failing TQM programs needs to help its employees to develop the HF. Huge financial expenditures on system improvement at the expense of HF development will be wasted effort. As revealed clearly in Figure 1, the HF is, therefore, the primary foundation on which every human endeavor hangs (Adjibolosoo, 1995a). All societies, countries, businesses, or organizations that neglect HF development will experience continuing problems. May I encourage every one of you to think some more about the HF and its relevance to everything we do as a people. By so doing, we will be able to comprehend much more fully its relevance to the whole human enterprise.
Karim: You almost convinced me to come to your side. But I need to do additional studies on the HF so that I can arrive at my own conclusions regarding whether what you’ve all said is true or false. I still can’t see what the HF concept has to do with politics and economics. Economists deal with models, theories, and principles regarding consumer/producer behavior and how the economy functions. Similarly, politicians concern themselves with the development and implementation of good social, economic, and political policies and programs. So also do other people in all walks of life. They don’t concern themselves with the HF. How can we reconcile these?
Amavi: (turning to Karim) Just have an open mind. It won’t be long before you’ll realize that we are all HF theorists, including you (the bell rings and class is about to close for the day). Indeed, most present day economists have little clue about the significance of the HF to economic performance of nations.
Korbla: Thank you very much for your contributions. You’ve all been fabulous. Have a great evening. (Everybody is getting packed up to leave the class.) Keep in mind that we have answered the third question also. When we meet for the next lesson, we will deal with bits and pieces of Karim’s remaining set of questions and then draw some important conclusions.
5. Scene Four: More About The Significance Of the HF
Dr. Korbla walks into the classroom and says good afternoon to everyone. The students respond with smiles on their faces. Those who are not yet fully ready for the class pull out their notebooks. With all eyes fixed on the teacher, class begins in an unusual way today.
Korbla: In the last few classes, we have all been struggling to make sense out of the HF theory. Today, we will conclude our discussions on the HF. In the final class next week, we will draw out our own conclusions. Our focus will be on the principles of HF development and management. My hope is that as we do so, we will also indirectly answer some of the pertinent questions some of you may still have. Since. . . .
Anani: (cutting in) Sir, I can’t help but ask you a pressing question. Could you please explain to the whole class the relationship between HF decay and/or underdevelopment and the many problems we face today in society (i.e., social, economic, political, etc.). This will help many of us to understand more fully the true significance of the HF for the social, economic, and political lives of people in society.
Korbla: Thank you for asking this question. It is a recast of one of Karim’s questions that I intend to cover today. Let’s begin to discuss it now and then proceed later to outline and evaluate the underlying principles of HF development and management. Now, let everyone listen to the following question. Do problems such as gender, race, and job discrimination; institutional ineffectiveness and inefficiency; plan, policy, program, and project failure; genocide/homicide; person abuse (i.e., spouse, child, friend, client, etc.); continuing coups d’etat; religious intolerance and persecution; increasing regional refugee problems; all forms of dehumanization (i.e., slavery); environmental degradation; inhumane institutions, laws and programs (i.e., Nazism, Apartheid--racial segregation, etc.); and many other problems we experience in human societies have anything to do with the HF in relation to the way people think, feel, live, and act?
Akutor: I believe that most of the problems we face in our society today are due to the lack of love, integrity, loyalty, trust, tolerance, incontinence, the inability of people to co-exist peacefully, and so on. Thus, if people are willing to change their attitudes and the way they think and behave, we may be able to deal successfully with certain problems of interpersonal relationships. Say, for example, what must I do when my neighbor’s dog barks too loudly in the night and disturbs my sleep? Should I take matters in my own hands and deal with the problem with my fists or gun? You see, the issue of personality characteristics comes into the picture again. In view of these observations, I will conclude that the answer to your question is that the social, economic, and political problems you alluded to in your question, in addition to those in Karim’s last four questions, are symptoms of severe and/or incessant HF decay and/or underdevelopment in our society today.
Amavi: Indeed, these problems are rampant in our society. In the past, scholars of deviance theory and many other academic disciplines have tried to make us understand that what they believed in were the actual sources of these problems. Yet when one studies in detail what we have been discussing these last few classes, one can’t help but conclude that the primary source of these problems is HF decay and/or underdevelopment. To answer Karim’s sixth question, let me add also that immigrants from the developing to the developed countries change their attitudes and assimilate new work ethic. As such, as they function in a new society where certain HF characteristics are active than their places of origin, they become more productive than they were in their original homelands. I also, therefore, concur with Akutor’s assessment and answer to your question.
Kweku: Sometimes, as I listen to our classroom debates and discussions, I perceive that the HF theory and/or principle is nothing more than a commonsense proposition. It makes me want to conclude that, in reality, it is people, who have acquired the appropriate HF, that make things happen in society. Present day advanced countries achieved economic and industrial development because they did not neglect HF development totally. As such, when it happens that the HF is decaying or has been underdeveloped in any society, that society will experience all the problems that our teacher and Karim have mentioned. I too agree strongly that the primary source of most human problems is HF decay and/or underdevelopment. That is, our social, economic, and political problems are deeply rooted in HF decay and/or underdevelopment.. This is not to dismiss the fact that mentally deranged people can also create problems for society when they are left to move around freely by themselves.
Korbla: These are quite interesting conclusions you have arrived at. May we please listen to what Amavi and Karim have to say too.
Amavi: If it is true that you are what you eat and you act what you think, then I am convinced that if our society is able to develop the six dimensions of the HF in our citizens, we will live in a great and peaceful society. But when we fail to develop the HF in our people, most of our social, economic, and political institutions will fail to achieve their intended goals. I say this because in the presence of HF decay and/or underdevelopment, people such as teachers, lawyers, priests, police men and women, business people, judges, doctors, parents, grandparents, and many others will not be able to carry out their assigned duties successfully. There will be different forms of discrimination, human rights abuse, sexual harassment, continuing violations of the rule of law, inequities, injustice, etc. Since each of these is a symptom of HF decay and/or underdevelopment, I am convinced that the HF has got everything to do with what is happening in our society today--be it good or bad.
Karim: Last night, I sat down with some friends and we discussed the HF theory in detail. We looked at it from many perspectives. The idea sounds so simple. As such, most of us wondered why it has been ignored for so long. Is it because it is a commonsense principle? If so, then commonsense is actually not common. Some of us tried to argue last night that technological advancement rather than HF development would be more effective in dealing with our escalating social, economic, and political problems. We also talked about how well-developed technological equipment can help us trace and/or track criminals, fraudulent welfare recipients, drug traffickers, bank robbers, credit card fraud and so on. Yet as we analyzed these views further, it dawned on us that most of the technological devices we have created have not really solved our problems (i.e., they deal with quick fix procedures rather than solving problems). In fact, in addition to giving us false sense of security and hope, they have also misled us to focus on irrelevant plans, policies, programs, and projects.
Note, for example, in 1995, how a gunman entered the White House illegally and could have killed the United States’ President and his family. A similar incident happened in Canada in the same year when an intruder entered illegally into the Canadian Prime Minister’s home. Rabin, the Prime Minister of Israel, was gunned down while returning home from a peace rally. Dr. Martin Luther King and President J. F. Kennedy were assassinated over three decades ago. This list of unfortunate events can be extended ad infinitum. The story has also been told of a man who furnished his cars and home with the most sophisticated state-of-the-art security systems. Yet one night, while he and the family and friends were having a party in their home, two of his posh cars were stolen. One wonders about what happened to the security system. Did it either malfunction or was it disabled by the robbers? What, then, was its usefulness if it failed to do its required job? Although humanity seems to have made great inventions whose object was to annihilate all social, economic, political, intellectual, and cultural problems, these inventions do not seem to be functioning as effectively as expected. Regardless of how well-designed these inventions are for thoroughly cleaning and/or safeguarding the environment, it seems to me that those who are expected to put these machines to work are oversleeping and therefore are failing to enable these machines to accomplish their tasks. Continuing human failure due to HF decay and/or underdevelopment is leading to a terrible crash of a long-cherished human dream--a tranquil and highly fulfilled life. See, the lesson here for every one of us to learn is that technological advancement cannot be sufficient by itself. But if society focuses on HF development, most of these problems will diminish in our society. Bribery, corruption, political, financial, and sexual scandals in high places in every society will also occur less frequently in the presence of the appropriate (positive) HF. I am now a believer in the HF theory. I am convinced that the HF theorists are correct in their views about development in societies. Our society must begin to focus on HF development if it hopes for a brighter and peaceful future for its people (Adjibolosoo, 1996). The primary purpose of education and training must be HF development (everyone applauds Karim. It took a great deal of courage to concede defeat. He had an open mind--something we all need to have as we search for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom to perform our tasks and make good things happen in society).
Korbla: This is one of the best classes I have taught in years. You are all very intelligent. When I also came across the HF theory the first time, I wrestled a great deal with it. But as I studied it more diligently and delved deeper into it, my mind began to open to the concept and the meaning it gives as to why things happen in societies and how they can be dealt with effectively through HF development. Truly, from the HF perspective, social, economic, political, cultural issues, and/or problems are so intricately intertwined that any programs aimed at dealing successfully with them cannot achieve their intended objectives through exclusive piecemeal and disjointed disciplinary studies and/or recommendations in terms of plans, policies, programs, and projects. The building and implementation of models of social, economic, and political development and the use of various types of motivational incentives will not lead people permanently to achieve the necessary magnitudes of the various types of efficiency. Neither TQM nor management by objectives (MBO) nor process reengineering (PR) can make lasting success and/or progress happen. Steven Covey (1989) comes much closer to reality than any other scholars in identifying what will work (see also Covey, Merrill and Merrill, 1994). The pursuit of the seven habits he described in his 1989 book will help facilitate the development and acquisition of the HF in society. It can be argued conclusively that no simple social or economic or political or cultural or intellectual solutions exist to the problems facing humanity. As such, the creation and/or formulation of highly sophisticated academic disciplinary models and/or technologies will not deal successfully with the huge labyrinth of human problems and/or predicament without the existence of higher levels of HF development in society. True and lasting economic, technological, production, and allocative efficiencies may not be achieved in the presence of severe HF decay and/or underdevelopment. The preparation of everyone, especially children, for a life of service to all humanity will go a long way. They must not be indoctrinated. In their formative years, people should be introduced to universal principles of life and work. When society fails at this level, much of the battle is lost even before it has commenced. This is why. . . .
Anani: (cuts in quickly) Excuse me, sir. Your presentation triggers many ideas and thoughts in my mind. Let me share one which is in line with your presentations.
Korbla: Please go ahead.
Anani: Human calamities, although they are usually excruciatingly painful and extremely devastating, must always be viewed as opportunities for ongoing problem solving and advancement in human creativity (i.e., inventions and innovations). Such disasters should not always be treated as phenomena that are meant to be. A people whose culture leads them to think that they cannot search for viable solutions to pertinent problems will remain in a state of perpetual stagnation, probably wallowing in fatalism. They will never experience any forms of lasting positive progress. To be on top of continuing problem-solving, society must initiate and promote its own relevant research and development programs. This program must focus on knowledge acquisition, understanding and application. It must seek to unravel existing calamities and be able to cultivate workable solutions through ongoing HF development programs. Great musicians are people who spend a significant amount of time practising behind closed doors while everyone else is at play or asleep. When fully and thoroughly practised, they may give electrifying performances to their audience. HF development is a life-long process. It is a never-ending systematic series of activities aimed at progress and human well-being. Those who work at it will not only achieve a significant amount of it, but will also live long to enjoy the fruits of their labor. If humanity desires sincerely to deal successfully with such problems as environmental degradation, economic stagnation, political greed, all forms of discrimination, criminal behavior, and so on, it must concentrate on HF development. I cannot see any better alternative paths to solving social, economic, political, intellectual, and cultural problems.
Korbla: Thank you very much, Anani. These are great insights. We need to keep all these in mind as we strive to look for solutions to our day-to-day problems. Yet everyone needs to be aware that mere intellectual and academic abstractions arrived at improperly for the sole purpose of drawing desired inferences may sometimes lead to false conclusions when they ignore the significance of the HF to the human enterprise. These (i.e., shortsighted intellectual and academic abstractions) are gigantic enemies to the perception and practice of reality. In view of all these observations, what then must we do? To answer this question, it is critical to bear in mind that by treading precariously on the grounds of human ignorance, all humanity would be like a balloon travelling along the sharpest edge of a razor blade. In the final analysis, this act will lead to a phenomenon I refer to as the tyranny of HF decay. Its long-term implications will include severe social problems, ongoing economic decline, perpetual political confusion and/or failure, environmental degradation, intellectual dwarfism, cultural enslavement, and various forms of discrimination (the bell rings). OK. See you in our next class on the HF in the following week. We will present our concluding remarks.
6. Scene 5: Concluding Remarks And Axioms of HF Theory
Today is the last lesson on the HF concept. Korbla comes in with the primary objective of leading students to specific conclusions regarding what has been learned in the last several days.
Korbla: By now, we have all gained some understanding of the HF concept. What I plan to do in today’s class is to make some personal observations and/or inferences that may be very useful to everyone who is interested in dealing with social, economic, political, cultural, and intellectual problems in his or her own society. To be successful in this regard, the following axioms of HF theory are critical. These include:
1. Societies whose cultural norms, ethos, and practices neither allow for nor encourage HF development will not discover easily the path to human progress in terms of social rejuvenation, economic development, political maturation, cultural advancement, and intellectual producti-vity.
2. Few trees can survive without well-established root systems. In the same manner, no houses or other buildings can exist without a well-constructed foundation. An efficiently wired house, filled with state-of-the-art fixtures, will never bring light to that home without electricity. Similarly, the creation of excellent plans, policies, programs, and projects will never bring about social, economic, political, cultural, and intellectual progress in the presence of HF decay and/or underdevelopment.
3. Continuing HF decay and/or underdevelopment is a vicious venom that spreads at lightening speed in society and then, with devastating blow, decimates the primary foundation on which human progress rests.
4. Neither capital accumulation nor technological advancement nor global free trade among nations nor humanitarian/technical assistance is the primary engine and the true pillar of social progress, economic development, and political emancipation. Instead, the true engine and pillar of all human advancement is a well-groomed people who give priority attention to HF development.
5. The ongoing failure being experienced by those who manage and operate social institutions is not necessarily due to inadequate planning, policy making, program development, project implementation, and financial resources. It is primarily a result of HF decay and/or underdevelopment in society.
6. Every society must learn to differentiate between the knowledge that facilitates successful human applications to mission accomplishment and the knowledge that is of no specific value to society.
7. It is not only prissy to gain the ability to develop capacities for critical thinking and evaluation, but also critical to commit oneself to discovering universal principles on which fulfilling human life depends.
8. The continuing pursuit of clarity and effective articulation of goals and/or objectives always helps the individual to keep in mind his or her cherished purposes in life. It facilitates one’s striving to keep them in focus. This process requires personal commitment to everything that will facilitate mission accomplishment. That is, the critical foundation of true and successful self-actualization in one’s own life is knowing what one’s station in life is and how to prepare for its optimal realization.
9. No individual should ever lag behind in a personalized program that is aimed at continuing personal (human) development. Every human being must engage in or be involved with continuous learning through education and training to accomplish expected tasks. This is what Covey (1989) referred to as sharpening the saw (mentally, spiritually, phyiscally, socially, emotionally, etc.).
10. HF development programs must always aim at preparing people for a life of efficient service and enhanced human performance. It must be supported with ongoing research and development (R&D) programs.
11. Everyone in society needs to be aware that life is not only brief, but it also vanishes away very quickly like an early morning mist before a rising sun. As such, everyone has to be mindful of this never-changing truth and then utilize the days with highly informed knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Always remember that there is no security in ignorance. This requires the conscious pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom that will lead to the discovery and unravelling of the universal laws of nature on which high human performance and a truly fulfilling life are based.
12. Every society that desires to experience positive changes must be awareof the fact that personal transformation and/or change is a sine qua non to successful overall social, economic, and political change. This type of change will foster continuing healthy interpersonal relationships.
13. Technological developments and/or advancements can neither successfully solve human problems whose origin is rooted primarily in HF decay and/or underdevelopment nor replace HF engineering programs. Machines do not accomplish tasks. Similarly, institutions, systems, technology, ideologies, and so on cannot achieve any goals by themselves. Instead, it is people who have acquired the HF who use machiines, technology, ideologies, institutions, etc. to get tasks performed and/or duties carried out.
14. Every HF development program must teach, train, mentor, and educate people to acquire integrity, accountability, responsibility, trustworthiness, commitment, loyalty, and such like. These are critical to true progress, peace, and tranquility in society.
15. The bill of (human) rights and the rule of law will be useless in the presence of continuing HF decay and/or underdevelopment. By placing too many emphases on the protection of these rights to the total neglect of HF development, society will fall into the trap of social, economic, and political problems in the long run.
16. Existing and newly created problems and difficulties must be viewed as challenges that will, in the long run, lead to the opening of windows of opportunities to be exploited to benefit all humanity in the long term.
Conclusion
Revisiting Amavi’s experience regarding the provincial park, it is obvious that without the right caliber of people who are devoted to the job for which they have been hired, not much will be achieved in terms of productivity growth. In the same way, if people who use provincial parks lack accountability, responsibility, integrity, commitment, loyalty, trustworthiness, and so on, it will be extremely difficult to keep these parks in excellent condition for people’s enjoyment. This is why, as our discussions have revealed, in the presence of HF decay and/or underdevelopment, no society will be successful in achieving its ideals and aspirations in relation to social, economic, and political policies and programs. In our failure to prepare our citizens for a life of responsibility and service to all humanity, we are now beginning to realize that mere schooling in our schools, colleges, and universities is not producing the social order and the political economy we seek after.
In view of these discussions, it seems to me that humanity is failing to deal successfully with its continuing spiritual, moral, social, economic, political, cultural, and intellectual problems because it is either unable or unwilling (or both) to develop programs that will help every man and woman to acquire and use the necessary HF traits in everyday life and/or activities. Many problems in society today are being wrongly attributed to factors that actually have very little to do with the problems. Indeed, as long as humanity focuses on dealing with symptoms rather than the actual causes of its prevailing problems, it will never achieve the highly cherished life of peace, tranquility, happiness, and safety. If all humanity desires truly to achieve these goals, people must be helped to develop and/or acquire the necessary HF characteristics, without which society will crumble. It is, therefore, time for men and women in authority and/or power to begin to re-evaluate the way in which they have done things in the past, recognize what they have always done wrong, and be ready to change for the better. Although this change process may not be accomplished very easily, it is also not impossible. With a well-developed HF in the citizens of every nation, the task of sustained human-centered development can be accomplished.
Notes
1. See details on Alexander Pope’s poem entitled "An Essay on Criticism" in John Butt, 1974 (p. 151, lines 215-218).
2. It must be pointed out, however, that the task of evaluating issues objectively is not an easy one. This is the case because all evaluations, analyses, discussions, etc. take place within certain world view frameworks to which each evaluator subscribes. Yet, regardless of this difficulty, the hope is that scholars will be ready and willing to listen to others, hear their viewpoints, and then proceed to evaluate them from acceptable non-combative criteria. It is my belief that a well-developed understanding of HF theory will lead many scholars to achieve this ideal, regardless of their worldview. Although they may not agree with the views of others, they will still be open to hear and also discuss/evaluate them.
3. The exception to this case may be an "expert vehicle" that is operated through advanced technology. Note, however, that even in this case, people will have to be able to design such a vehicle. Thus, we cannot get rid of people from the equation regardless of how advanced technology has become.
Acknowledgment
Many colleagues have read through the initial draft of this paper and made useful suggestions and comments that were extremely helpful to me in preparing the final version of this paper. I am, therefore, very thankful to Dr. Don Page, Dr. John Anonby, Dr. Harold Harder, Dr. Harold Faw, Dr. Harro van Brummelen, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Benjamin Ofori-Amoah, Dr. Abour Cherif, Dr. Francis Adu-Febiri, Mr. Glenn Isaak, and Dr. Deane E. D. Downey for their contributions toward the development and presentation of the ideas in this paper. Any errors in reasoning and judgment should not, however, be credited to any of these scholars.
Bibliography
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Adjibolosoo, S. ed. 1995b. The Significance of the Human Factor in African Economic Development. Westport, CT.: Praeger.
Adjibolosoo, S. 1995c. "The Human Factor Perspective on Failing Social Institutions." Unpublished discussion paper. Trinity Western University, Langley, B. C., Canada.