The Human Factor in Development
To make beneficial and lasting progress in dealing with their spiritual, moral, social, economic, political, cultural, and intellectual problems, people must evaluate objectively human ideas and their connectedness to universal principles. They must also develop relevant procedures for dealing with these problems. “The right principles are already well-known; indeed, they have been known for two and a half millennia. Our problem is to transform practice to conform with principle. How can that be done? The starting point must be a clearer intellectual comprehension of what is at stake, resulting in a sufficient psychological goad to impel us into collective and individual action” (Lipson, 1993, p. 4). Such a transformation program will fail without the availability of the appropriate HF characteristics. The term, HF, refers to:
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, 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" (Adjibolosoo, 1993, p. 142).
The HF is, indeed, the real foundation of human performance as the central nervous system is the center for most biological activities of the human body. In this regard, it can be argued that the HF is extremely essential to the effective performance of the whole human enterprise as the central nervous system is to the proper functioning of the human body. The extent to which HF traits are either developed or underdeveloped in every human being affects the effectiveness with which each person functions in leading and managing existing social institutions, structure, contract, order, and the political economy. While the development of the appropriate HF characteristics enhances human performance effectiveness, in the presence of its ongoing decay, social institutions degenerate in performance and therefore become like grains of corn being starved of the necessary nutrients (i.e., sunlight, water, and air) required for survival. Just as it is the case that for a farmer to obtain an excellent harvest, the plots have to be tended properly and weeded frequently, so also it is imperative that the appropriate HF traits be developed in every person to enhance human performance (Adjibolosoo, 1996a). No nation can be governed effectively to achieve social, economic, and political progress without people who possess the critical HF characteristics.
Just as a car's engine has its many parts, so also does the HF. Human beings, using their acquired HF characteristics, are able to achieve or fail to accomplish intended tasks. In general, every human being has a physical body, a human soul, and a human spirit. Each of these aspects needs continuing nurturing to develop and to function as expected. These three must interact effectively in conjunction with each other 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. Its people cannot run successfully its social, economic, and political institutions and programs. Any program of activities aimed at developing the appropriate HF characteristics must be directed at the continuing enhancement of its six component parts. Effective and efficient human performance requires well-developed HF characteristics. 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 poor human performance and sub-optimal living standards.
Yet, the development of both the spiritual and moral capital, although critical to the running of the human enterprise, is currently being either ignored or neglected in many societies (e.g., Canada, United States, Britain, France, Spain, Italy, and Germany). 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 in schools, colleges, and universities, 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 grocery stores, and restaurants. You see many people either riding bikes 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.