New Mexico Fire - Some Definitions and Comments

[CLN852@aol.com]

Below are some definitions taken from the API Handbook Glossary. At some 
level in the system surrounding the events of the New Mexico fire there are 
some process owners. Recognizing a system does not mean that people are not 
accountable. Generally, the tendency is to blame in situations that result in 
unhappy endings. I doubt very seriously if there is a "single cause" (aka. 
root cause) let alone a person to account for this tragedy. As with most 
systems, there will be several causes identified that contributed to the 
uncontrolled fire. People like to feel that they are "in control" and some 
poor soul will probably be identified as the "root cause." Psychologists call 
it the "attribution error." Here are some definitions:

System: an interdependent group of items, people, or processes working 
together toward a common purpose. 

Process:  a set of causes and conditions that repeatedly come together in a 
sequence of steps to transform inputs into outcomes. 

Process Owner: the person(s) whose has authority to make fundamental changes 
to the process. 

Attribution Theory: The theory of how people explain others' behavior --for 
example, by attributing it either to internal dispositions (enduring traits, 
motives, and attitudes) or to external situations.

Fundamental Attribution Error: The tendency for observers to underestimate 
situational influences and overestimate dispositional influences upon others' 
behavior.

If we find an individual who was "rubbing his or her hands together in glee," 
with the intent of burning homes in New Mexico, then I will be the first to 
say he or she needs to be in a padded room.

Cliff Norman
API- Austin
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