Francesco Sofo wrote:
> I'd like to give my reaction to this question. First, words often carry a
> connotation and it is true that the term resources has a full array of
> emotions for different people. I think we need to be sensitive in the use
> of the term and ensure that our audience understands what we mean when we
> use it. We would not use it if we knew the audience might be hostile
> towards the term especially if we were trying to achieve important
> outcomes with the audience.
My dictionary defines resources the following way:
1. a source of supply, support or aid, especially one held in reserve.
2. the collective wealth of a country or its means of producing wealth.
3. usually money, or any property which can be converted into money;
assets.
4. an available means afforded by the mind or the personal capabilities.
5. an action or measure to which one may have recourse in an emergency;
expedient.
6. capability in dealing with a situation or in meeting difficulties.
It seems that the word, resources, as it is used in the expression "human
resources" probably falls within the first three definitions, and probably
most often the third definition (the idea of assets). The concept of
labor as property is not a new one. Indeed, capitalism (industrialism)
fostered and refined the idea that money, land, air, water and people were
the resources available for the production of surplus capital.
My interests in the term stem from my interest in this "paradigm shift"
which we appear to be undergoing. Deep ecology, fourth wave
organizations, the web of life, living organizations--can these concepts
truly survive when the world and its' inhabitants are resources for the
production of wealth.
If language is the source by which we create our world, then this is a
significant part of that organizational world.
I appreciate the thoughts shared by Rol, Ray and others that demonstrate
their deep understanding of what they would like resource to mean. I'll
admit that Tom Petzinger's challenge to using the word empower (was that
on this list?) renervated my dislike over using the term, human resources.
Doc
-- "Criticism should awaken our attention, not inflame our anger. We should listen to, and not flee from, those who contradict us. Truth should be our cause, no matter in what manner it comes to us." --Marquise de SabliRichard C. "Doc" Holloway Your partner for workforce development Visit me at http://www.thresholds.com/community/learnshops/index.html Or e-mail me at <mailto:learnshops@thresholds.com> Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2361 Phone: 01 360 786 0925 Olympia, WA 98507 USA Fax: 01 360 709 4361
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