Defining the Human Factor
The Human factor is the spectrum of personality characteristics and the 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, disciplined labor force, just legal systems, respect for human dignity and the sanctity of life, and social welfare, and so 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. [See details in Adjibolosoo (1995), pp. 33-38].
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.
References
Adjibolosoo, S. 1998. Global Development the Human Factor Way. Westport, CT.: Praeger (Chapters 9, 10, and 11).
Adjibolosoo, S. (ed.) 1996. Human Factor Engineering and the Political Economy of Development. Westport, CT.: Praeger (pp. 20-21).
Adjibolosoo, S. 1995. The Human Factor in Developing Africa. Westport, CT.: Praeger (p. 33-37).
Adjibolosoo, S. (ed.) 1995. The Significance of the Human Factor in African Economic Development. Westport, CT.: Praeger (pp. 4-5).
Adjibolosoo, S. 1993. "The Human Factor in Development." The Scandinavian Journal of Development Alternatives, XII (4): 139-149.