Science or Moral Values

[lifemap <lifemap@ix.netcom.com>]

Wayne Mack  wrote, regarding changes in the methods of managing people:

Also, recall that for the scientific definitions, the difference between
a hypothesis and a theory is supporting experimental evidence.  I am
concerned where pushing my own hypotheses crosses over into meddling
(ala the funnel experiment).  Short of experimental evidence, how do I
prove, to myself and to others, that a change should be made and it is
beneficial?

David Kerridge then replied with a dissertation on the limits of theory
and evidence.

I see it this way. When it comes to managing human beings, the
fundamental issue is  how one views and values other human beings --
whether in enterprise or anywhere in life. If management looks at
employees as numbers, as things, as parts of a machine not worthy of
dignity and respect, then  it is likely that no amount of "scientific
experimental evidence" will change the way people are managed. However,
if management believes that each human being is unique and whole, then
not much scientific justification is required to end de-humanizing
management practices.

Leadership is required to bring about a change in  the treatment of
people in enterprise -- not only on the part of management but by anyone
who sees the destruction of the human sprit (and its correlates such as
the destruction of a system of cooperation). This kind of leadership has
nothing to do with statistics or scientific method. It has to do with
taking a stand for what one knows -- in his heart -- is right.

Is this meddling? Is this tampering ala the funnel experiment? My answer
is --NO! It is standing for what you believe is right without fear of
the consequences to yourself (e.g., being fired). There is no scientific
evidence to  tell you whether or not to do it. These kinds of decisions
are beyond the realm of science. Did you notice that Dr. Deming provided
only anecdotal evidence for his assertions that traditional management
systems in business, education, government destroy human beings and the
quality of their interactions.

Ed Baker