The Hill & Valley Forum 2025: Rebuilding America

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Financial and Social Aspects of Hate and Corruption Example (Philosophical Thought Experiment)

Strengthening and understanding our economic and social spheres of life is based in our ability to ensure that we are continuously improving and adjusting the functioning of the whole. We can also learn about values, philosophy, science, and justice around learning examples designed to help us move into deeper more complex concepts that underline the foundations of society. It is less about the conclusion around a key definitive answer and more about awareness of the deepest values we share among each other. Those shared values have an economic benefit in fostering a growth-oriented environment and institutional performance that enhances that growth (economically and socially). Exploring ways to strengthen those values within our decision making and within institutional performance can help to continuously tweak systems toward their ideal goals and purpose. As a society we are a single people who share a destiny and are all responsible for fostering a future where the next generation can thrive. It is ok to disagree or agree because the purpose is not a specific conclusion but to simply think.  cogito, ergo sum

The example used below is one in which people with a history of poor behaviors and dark triad traits were allowed to use their employment position and close friend network of corrupted officials to enrich themselves through threats of violence, bullying, rumor spreading, and much more. It was well known by people in the community that some were "immune" from misbehaviors and some could be targeted. Despite the initial defaults and long-standing protections of corruption it is also one of community triumph and resilience. The story includes pieces of drama and hardship where normal rights and values were circumvented and people could openly enrich themselves through hate, aggression, manipulation, and pseudo cleansing type activities. No amount of evidence or detail could convince justice decision makers there is a much higher principle at play and so poor behaviors were normalized within local decision making networks. Dehumanization made the wrong acceptable and what is right is disdainful. Moral conscious was lost.

Financial Considerations and Social Ties of Corruption 

Systems that function at their highest capacity should do so with a strong sense of ethics which helps ensure long term trust and behavioral alignment with shared values. Ethical standards and expectations impact decision making and often create specific outcomes which can be positive or negative depending on the beliefs of those involved. Part of business and economics is based on how we support the fundamentals of society and the medium of trust by which people engage in everyday exchanges. Those exchanges range from smiles all the way over to formal signed business contracts. The root of those transactions is based on societal assumptions that add up to create a flow of economic activity (Some theorists have mentioned this flow.). Economics, a science of human behaviors delves into choice and why some manage with integrity and why some may not. Whether you are talking about a company or an institution, the ability to align activities to stated goals and missions is important. When we don't do that, we have a potential problem as choices and outcomes vary further from the true north creating misalignment. Poor administrators and those with ulterior motives can have a corrosive effect on the environment and limit the potential for higher levels of performance. We make the general assumption that choice is rational and therefore goal directed outcomes are in part related to intention (The intent to harm, help, etc.). Where the intention is good, we should expect a good outcome and where intention is distorted, we will often find poor outcomes. Performance and outcome are based on the quality of leadership, commitment to mission, and the overall functional health of a system.

Integrity and Institutions

Institutions are designed to provide guidance on what societal exchanges are ok and which ones are not. It is the same for the banking system as it is for the justice system as it is for all of the other systems (There may be an exception, but I can't think of one at the moment.). Such systems are seen as governance systems that provide direction and oversite to others. In a democracy, we generally have more influence over law creation than in other places and that is a powerful concept (Generally, means that is the way it is supposed to run but there are times when that doesn't happen.). The broad desires of society often act as a wider check and balance if the law doesn't function over a period of time as intended. (i.e. corruption, mass fraud, etc.). It is a slow process but eventually the pressure to change rises as people begin to see the collective benefit of effective management and preserving the value of institutions from generation to generation. (In our example, hate, rumors, threats, bullying, aggression, corruption were used to enrich a friend network and people knew it but failed to protect the victims highlighting some open opportunities for adaptative improvement. It makes the assumption that the goal is truth, justice and societal health versus clan-based enrichment and open corruption of choice.) While these things may happen infrequently, or  frequently depending on who you talk to, they are still the rotted part of the apple and allowing it to sit with the rest of the bushel will damage the bunch (i.e. the perpetrators used bigoted rumors that could and some cases could have paved the way to bigger crimes beyond attempted violence and violations of basic human rights. Wrong situation, word, time, act, etc. create risks for the victims. A situation that was created by hate and corruption). 

Ethics and Values

To further delve into ethics and the values of institutional effectiveness I am using a philosophical theoretical hypothetical thought experiment for learning purposes that delves into hate and corruption as a detractor to society strength (Some argue it is acceptable, and they encourage it but I'm taking the theoretical example that it is not helpful.) Exploring how corruption may function on a couple of different levels and how that impacts both economic health and social cohesion (vs. ostracization and split peoples) creates a stronger dynamic the comingling of corruption and hate (Two pathways of a similar root problem). Thus, to highlight this I provide an example of people known as "The Clan" who engaged in all types of bullying that includes in some cases potential criminal misbehaviors that rewarded associated affiliates through the misuse and misallocation of public resources (a type of cartel). To further the richness of the example, there was strong undertone of superiority and "better than thou" antics toward those deemed as out-groups (...typically marked by race, religion, social network and politic). Furthermore, anyone who complained of blatant mistreatment or who sought to protect others was put on a secretive target list and secretely ruled against quickly. Misbehaviors continued through blind eye justice warping aspects of the institution. Victims ranging from sexual exploitation to elder abuse had few rights per the decision-making process. In our example, despite being recipients of all types of mistreatment the victims could find no recourse. The very root of hate impacting outcomes through biased choices (...not necessarily race, politic or religion specific but good dependent on who one may like or dislike) (Remember, that it may or may not be that but it is one lens by which to see a problem. There are likely different lenses at play. If you ask corrupt officials and perpetrators they may have a different perspective or if you ask the average citizen who generally would dislike corruption they would also have a slightly different perspective. This is why such issues are often hyper and polarized versus strategic and collaborative. As a general rule in most cases, strategic and collaborative gains more followers and creates well rounded decisions. ).

Closed Systems

Closed systems intentionally have few checks and balances so behaviors persist in creating numerous victims over time and missed opportunities to fulfill one's duties. One might fathom this as a type of gross negligence that didn't appear to improve until the wider stakeholders (outside perspective) encouraged a higher value system (Theoretically, moral conscious...collective conscious).. For one reason or another (depending on how someone interprets it) the decision makers in our learning example, felt that certain types of people were more worthy than others in society as recipients of institutional outcomes even if such proceeds came from a very dark place. In other words, for some decision makers the display of general poor behavior is of higher value when compared to publicly stated values and oaths. It is an important lesson because the misuse of authority and outcomes is a common trait of clan based closed systems where corruption is indicative of the long running potential social variance to system purpose (There are ways one could test for this but it would take a lot of time and hundreds of hours to evaluate a wider pattern. The data is technically there. Its a big data world so it is possible if one has access to the public information to theoretically crowdsource a review following a particular logic algorithm that could be statistically analyzed. Many of the different data points may show statistical significance of unofficial policies and behavioral choices as a reflection of values. It may also show all is good and highlight some important strengths others can learn from.)

The Motives

What makes the example interesting is that each of the actors had different interests of which some were financial, social, altruistic, legal, criminal, revenge, mental health, religious, racial, etc. The collective efforts of people create pressure for officials to do the work to the benefit of people/community and work less on the behalf of their social networks and extreme ideologies (It created change through a broad-brush stroke, but good leaders and administrators will need to fine tune the people's handy work.  i.e. the purpose of law versus its technicalities used to insulate corruption, creating a wider risk of ongoing misbehaviors toward others. Technicalities are often where corruption is easy to hide but when you take technical decisions and compare it against the purpose of the law you may find they don't match well. Do that enough and you find a pattern and that pattern can determine intent. A blueprint of corruption). Without checks and balances those who engaged in criminal acts and those who allowed and rewarded corruption are cut from the same type of cloth. Their values to higher principles or commitment to their communities are limited and therefore they may not be qualified for their roles if they are unable to see the greater purpose of their mission and how that should be in alignment with the needs of the whole society as a collective people who rely on those institutions (organizational alignment around the mission of justice, liberty, etc.).

A Higher Value System

In part of that exploration, we can look at studies to help highlight how this example may fit within modern literature. That helps us understand the underlining factors of corruption and find solutions so that actions and behaviors of individuals, groups or those we trust with institutional decision making are working on the behalf of the greater needs of society. In other words, that they are servants of people, and they fulfill their duties with integrity and nobility (Philosophically, nobility of behavior comes through serving others while nobility of position comes through social networks and wealth.). While the vast majority of people within institutions throughout history have generally tried to do the right thing, there are times where poor actors have carved out variances (typically around social, ideological and financial/resource considerations). Knowing and understanding some of the dynamics of a misalignment can help in preventing such derailment of purpose and trust in the future (Theoretically. We have to make the assumption that high functioning systems is a worthwhile pursuit and that would be a goal of most administrators.).

The article below discusses how bribes and social ties may influence people's decisions when thinking about in and out-group members. From a general perspective we should be aware that within clan networks bribes might take more of a form of helping each other achieve financial and social goals or actual exchange of items of value. It is a process of reciprocation and social expectation. Poor decisions wouldn't have been made if those financial and social considerations were not present in a way that warped the whole decision-making process. Those risks are magnified when the perceived superiority and differences between perpetrator and victims is projected across a long time period of time against various peoples.  Limited internal world views and general lack of exposure to other types of people can be a deficit in judgement because they lack understanding of normal behaviors and responses outside of their sliver of life (The broader the world view, typically the more similar people appear through universal truths that apply to all people's.). Magnify lack of understanding of others with unfair protections and preferences in justice outcomes and we have a moral and legal default. One in which it creates a quagmire of liberty (the higher principle of improvement) or liability (the lower principle of victim blaming and blind eye).

Bribes and Social Ties

Looking at this example and studies slowly starts to define how such long-term misbehaviors and lack of checks and balances may occur for years if not decades. Poor decisions and poor outcomes. It also helps us understand how crimes can be repeated in closed systems when lower forms of values, bigotries and false ideologies are encouraged among self-interested actors. Imaging a world where illegal and immoral behaviors in any society are normalized and rewarded in a way that it encourages others to do the same through social learning. (Social Learning. Monkeys do it and we do it! Also some indication that other creatures like orcas do it as well to different degrees. Its a function that if more frequent eventually becomes normalized and this is why we can learn how that works so as to dissuade such serious misbehaviors least they hamper our economy, damage belief in justice and impact other social exchanges. Remember that economics is a study of human behavior and choice so understanding the long-term implications of protecting hate and corruption is important as well from a theoretical aspect. Some argued that a decline in institutional trust may be related to micro choices and exchanges.).  In our learning example, victims were created and more victims in the future will create unless commitment to the highest principles emerges on top of the debate. Without change it is only a matter of time unchallenged patterns will reemerge (In our example there were multiple waves with periods of time in between). If corruption and hate further becomes embedded then it may take additional commitment to correct so it is important to root it out where it is found. Such closed systems present a type of risk to society because the stated social contracts and the realized outcomes may be different in such places where members have taken on unethical or misaligned values as "normalized". 

Let us work off of an assumption that clearly wrong occurred on some level and there were poor actors and poor choices involved in our learning example. Don't get hung up on which type of people, what their religion is, what their race is, or what their politics are because hate and corruption is a phenomenon that can apply to any people at different times. A free people should always support freedom for all members of their society and foster those lofty values in others even when they don't completely agree or understand "others". Most societies and peoples have experienced mistreatment one time or another so open corruption is not an impossibility even if unlikely. Such differentiation of human life and rights should not be so easily dependent on those differences (Catholic, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, etc.) or (race or tribe based).  It is not that people can't act in a biased and self-seeking manner but how we handle that and strive to reach above such people that counts when these behaviors occur.  An essential question being what checks and balances are present when people do act in such a way? We can adapt or we do not adapt. Therefore, think of the knowledge gained from our thought experiment in their generalized form so we are able to apply the principles learned to any such similar situation where they may be found and seem similar. New knowledge often leads to more learning and that leads to preserving liberty and freedom. The question on what should happen when intentionally illegal, immoral, and corrupt misbehaviors have been openly protected and some people in the community have talked about those 'above the law' and/or 'protected' by the network and those who we would expect to serve the full community. Perhaps in some ways causing an economic decline that impacted the community for a long time until local stakeholders successfully challenged such open corruption and voted in some new people in a way that economic prospects began to return through greater thoughtfulness purpose of systems (You won't be able to convince corrupted souls they are a big part of everyone's pain. It is indicative of the rationalization process that allowed the choice to engage in corruption and/or use threats against others in the first place. So it is wise to take decision making out of their hands least such decision making becomes illegitimate.) Let us say victims have no recourse due in part to the self-interested thinking and aggressive tools along the same lines of choices and behaviors that caused the issue in the first place.

 "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking that created them" Einstein.

The concept of tackling corruption has significant historic, philosophical, symbolic and moral anchoring and that it has lasted hundreds of years. While times have changed, the very importance of encouraging higher respect for our history and liberties has not. We should reflect on the shared values that we all believe in and their cohesive assumptions that form the basis of any society. If we believe in our society and are faithful to that society, we will do what is right and if we don't then we won't and the proof in pudding is the choices we make regardless of how we come to them. Freedom belongs to us all and we earned it not only in current generations but also from the many generations that came before. Ponder how important certain freedoms were to some of our early founders. Let us not sell out what they were building and ride the sands of time versus being swallowed by them. Always make decisions that encourage high values.

“Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood.” John Adams

A Few Thoughtful Ideas to Explore

A number of questions to sort of think about where hate and corruption doesn't have a check and balance, 

1.) Is it moral to reward poor behavior, fail to protect victims, and make no changes? Let us assume bullying, threats, attempted violence, and serious legal misconduct was known and financially rewarded. If we knew there were mistakes made and victims created and we made no change we would likely see more victims in the future. However, morally if there was greater alignment between the purpose and the behavior then one would likely find less intentional/unintentional mistakes. There may be a debate on whether mistakes happen everyone once in a great while or all the time but that doesn't take away from the responsibility to improve when they are found no matter the frequency. Moral authority is power with while legal authority is power over. Legal authority should seek to best reflect moral authority for maximum support and effect. What happens if immorality mixed with misuse of authority was found to be protecting poor behavior? What would this say about trust? Is that trust deserved on a human-to-human exchange level? What happened in history when clearly immoral and illegal behaviors were fostered and power was used to make it "ok"? What would it say on a Constitutional level about those who it gives a green light to mistreat? If it is allowed in one place, can it be allowed in others and does it create a type of foreshadowing precursor to a future unknown? (Sociologically in our hypothetical example we may be dealing with two different sets of rules and in essence two different social exchange systems and outcomes.)

2.) How is trust built from micro exchanges everyday and is there importance in ensuring those with integrity move up within an institution and those who lack integrity down or out? Consider how positive behaviors lead to increased positive micro exchanges while negative behaviors lower the quality of micro exchanges and in turn reflect on the positive or negative impression of an institution ( If you listen to most secular and religious philosophers, they have versions of the Golden Rule and how to treat others positively.). The path that leads to seems to support the most positive outcomes would be ensuring hiring the personalities that improve on positive micro exchanges for both internal and external health.

3.) What checks and balances does society or systems have if misbehaviors and rewarding misbehaviors becomes normalized (even if repeated at other times in history.)? This is where a debate on too much and not enough checks-n-balances comes into play. In our example the perpetrators clearly put kids at risk and the sick with a history of doing so and those behaviors were protected and rewarded based on social exchanges of the "hometown" team. A balance that ensures an effective system while safeguarding their moral purpose is helpful for long term support. When people discuss the differences in outcomes based on what social group they belong it typically means a central group of poor actors are involved and warping the outcomes. Checks and balances may help in ensuring such groups don't create even more victims due to foot dragging and general disrespect toward societal contracts by some administrators and decision makers.

4.) How might a perception of fairness in society, business, and life influence economic expansion and social growth? In third word nations it may be more normal to not have recourse. However, a lack of strong functioning institutions often leads to a decline in investment and GDP growth. Does integrity and faithfulness to certain shared societal principles (oaths, pledges, etc.) help improve institutional quality and does that have an impact on societal investment? Can we include an economy by maximizing commitment to central values and encouraging full engagement?(Very long wide lens. There is some support for that idea. Some research supports the connection of economic health and institutional health.). Are there long-term issues if certain types of people are blocked from contributions to maximize the benefits for all of society (versus the few)? What does a fully engaged society with maximum human capital look like? Keep in mind in our example that hate based rumors damaged reputations, encouraged broad aggression, blocked people from jobs, etc. Such behavior may have robbed society from contributions from some members based on superficial justifications (Even with hate and what we might conceive as a type of evil, based on how you define it, you will also find that the best path is to encourage a better world and forgive. One should never forget the crimes allowed, encouraged, and rewarded. The mistakes that were made were indicative of something much deeper, had a history to it, and will rear its head in the future because of the underlining lack of respect for our historical values and the sacredness of human life. Acceptance of their values in a social context of close associates).

5.) Understanding how some are treated, and some are not treated and the various factors involved helps to gain a fuller understanding of the different perceptions and perspectives. A single perspective of improvement and fostering the highest functioning systems we can seems to be in everyone's interest. What type of checks and balances do we need to implement if there are instances where those who feel such systems belong and should function on behalf of their in-group? We are talking about rewarding people who engage in intentional misbehaviors that would normally be illegal if justice followed normal expected societal values. How could close friendships mixed with ethnocentric hate and corruption warp institutions? Do we have the responsibility to fix mistakes and uphold the spirit (versus technicalities) of the law when serious crimes have been committed against innocent people and whistle blowers? Something like disclosure of relationships and friendships might be necessary to dissuade intentional poor judgement. Especially if people are talking about how those close networks change things. This may be especially true where people are openly discussing and complaints were lodged against conflicts of interest and "protected" clan members in multiple venues. (Remember that it is possible to test for this if you have access to the data and it was presented in a way that was organizable.) It is not so much that corruption exists or that people who engaged in poor behaviors could easily warp the system through employment and social friendships but that it could be done so openly, blatantly, rapidly, with no recourse for victims, little respect for the law and less respect for human life. In these situations and places the law is subjective and it harms the perception of the whole (It should reflect on decision makers more because they have a moral obligation if they stay true to the oaths of their office and its obligation of correcting. Contrary to some's thinking, the worst behaviors and values is not a sign of strength but one of decline, fear, and grasping at misuse of power to keep the truth at bay. Putting people in positions in which they make decisions based out of that distorted sense of self and "other" indicative of a much deeper problem of merit and long-term competitiveness and resilience of moral conscious during difficult situations. Strengthening institutions means supporting their highest state and adjusting to get closer to that ideal point.)

6.) What do you think is functioning well or could be hedged for improvement? To fully understand a situation, one should also think of the positive strengths systems currently hold and what can be used to walk toward their core mission. If we have situations where people are coached on how to target others, provide financial incentives for doing so and do not correct these mistakes we are making a mistake in moral and legal judgement (...the purpose and not the technicalities where corruption often hides).What is sometimes a weakness can also be a strength and knowing what behaviors can be built on provides a well-rounded perspective. Adaptable organizations improve on what they do well to create competitive advantages and they improve their weaknesses to reduce risks. If some are being mistreated to help others then it would be a weakness if we assume the risk is judged by movement toward the stated mission. When people can derail the essential purpose of system because they wanted something or have destructive tendencies what does it say about the capacity to protect people? What does it say about the commitment around a bigger purpose? Does that bigger purpose even matter if it can be openly thwarted with no consequence or correction? All philosophical questions. 

7.) Why might it become increasingly important to teach about values that will strengthen institutional health and maintain higher value systems for the next generation (i.e. freedoms in general, democracy, human rights, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, etc.)? What are the fundamental values of society? What do we do when people blatantly violate good judgement and the laws (reward them isn't generally the first thing one would think of.) How might those prone to making decisions for hate based and corruption oriented perspective undermine the health of the whole system? What do we all believe in? What do we value? What makes us...us? This is where you should think about your personal values unhinged to the tempest of the times. What would happen if more judgements default the laws to reward criminal behaviors? Perhaps delve into hate and third world extremism and clan behaviors? It may be wiser to first honor the sanctity of higher values and then support, live by, and share such knowledge with the next generation. The chain of development should be unbroken by passing the torch just a little brighter from old hands to young hands. We should always seek to improve least we become complacent and accept a lower version of ourselves. That starts with the illumination and enlightenment of learning and human freedom. Celebrate Lady of Liberty

*This is a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment on the ethics and value systems. It is ok to disagree and have alternative points of view. That is the point. It is a type of discussion, a moving story that helps us understand ethics from a granular perspective. Since we can write this story anyway we want there will be a very positive outcome. Feel free to leave a comment. Barba non facit philosophum (Sorry learning Latin so I can read old text and thought it was a nice touch.)

Power Outages and the Possible Benefits of Energy Diversification and Localization

Energy resilience is helpful for business and daily life and as our energy system developed it also did so based on finance, company structures, policies, permits, etc. so thinking about a level of localization would seem to helpful. There has been increasing discussion in places like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan about utilization of various energy sources (i.e. RICE generators, solar, wind, starting old powerplants, propane, etc.). Much of this discussion revolves around climate and the long term sustainability of a consistent cost effective supply of energy (Different people will focus on different aspects of the same problem). 

Sometimes it is helpful to think of variability of sources, how the grid is structured (localized versus centralized), and supporting science to increase the available sources as well as the environmental impact of those sources (i.e. Ford's new water engines that relied in part on research in energy.). 

General energy diversity could improve optimization of price and source. Research into sustainable energy can lead to future technology breakthroughs that decrease the cost of energy financially and environmentally. Invent a new energy source and the game changes for many things. 

Localization of some of the energy so that it can feed local and regional grids to protect the energy structure of areas from large outages seems reasonable as a long term strategy. (I'm curious what is going on in Spain. It is a business and economics concern as to cost of outages and if there is some things we can do to avoid such problems that wold be nice)

This study highlights some of the issues and problems with energy structure (If you don't want to read the nitty gritty just browse the introduction, abstract and conclusions will give you the big picture of the research). Energy Resilience Study

(Keep in mind this blog is about theory development and exploring topics so different perspectives are always welcome. Just exploring the topics creates new knowledge.)

Communication Styles in the Workplace Can Increase Productivity by 25% (Quiz)

Communication is the essential way in which we share knowledge, thoughts, ideas, values, etc. Within an organization the ability to communicate well differentiates those who can reach the highest levels of management and those who can't. The higher one moves up the organization in terms of position, the more people they need to influence, and in turn the stronger the communication skills needed. Below you will find a few tips on communication that I thought might be beneficial. 

This is an interesting read on how communication can improve workplace productivity by as much as 25% Mastering the Art of Communication

Tips:

-Listen so that you understand the message, purpose, and goal. 

-Think before answering. Ability to self-reflect.

-Be clear and concise in your communication. Your essential points should provide direction to employees.

-Provide the level of detail needed to get the point across without confusing the goal.

-Reflect on conversations because new knowledge can come.

-Understand the goal and perspective of the person. 

-Because communication is recipricol you want to encourage feedback.

-Consider cultural differences in communication.

-Follow up with people when needed to close a loop. Complete a conversation.

-Unless necessary, avoid emotional quick responses. Emotional Intelligence.

-Beware of anchoring. Different perspectives, backgrounds, symbolisms, context, etc. change what is understood within communication.

-Consider helpful behaviors and demeanor to create the right flavor of communication.

-Have situational awareness.

-Seek to create improve quality and depth of conversation.

-Understand different personalities and how they interepret information. Try and relay information in ways they can process.

-Seek to create agreement and concensus. 

A Quiz:

There is a test where you can review your own communication style. There is no right or wrong but more or less what reflects your style. There are natural strengths and weaknesses in each style under different situations.

Communication Styles in the Workplace (Quiz)

Me? I'm intuitive and like the big picture and ideas. I could struggle with process. However, generally as I get older I get much better with process and understand when processes are helpful and when they deter creativity. There are times to be free form and times to follow a logical process. Understanding when each is necessary can increase creativity as well as further useful structure. 

Artifacts and Displays at the Nautical History Gallery & Museum: Continental Marines Through the Ages

A little but mighty museum provides artifacts and colorful displays of continental marine's past in the Nautical History Gallery and Museum.  The collection of U.S Navy and Marine Corp memorabilia from 1775 to 1945 provides more than an eye catching display but also brings to life the history that helped our nation and the standards of service. 

There are five periods of Naval Evolution:

1775-1840

1840-1887

1887-1912

1912-1930

They have some pretty interesting pictures of model ships on their website.

If you are interested in history consider:

Resolution Establishing the Continental Marines 1775 

Brief History of the Corps. 

Just in case you want to enroll in a different kind of education. Marine Corps University

If your interested in in donating to the museum I'm sure they will be much appreciated. Donate to Nautical History Gallery & Museum

Nautical History Gallery & Museum
2640 Historic Decatur Road
San Diego, CA 92106

Delta County MI. Board of Commissioners Meeting (4/24/2025): It is all about positions!

The most recent meeting provided an excellent example of administrators working to build a consensus around how to hire and what type of positions are needed. There was also a good example of the structure of such positions in determining who should be hired and for what. Sometimes when we look at tasks we find that some functions can be removed as no longer essential, some can be moved to lower levels of administration, and other times efficiencies can be built in by tweaking the processes. Looking at the functionality of positions, flow of information, and how decisions are made can do a lot to streamline process and save labor capital. At the end of the day, each position must carry its weight in value so as to support sustainability.

Local and Regional Innovation Collaboration (Cluster Theory Development)

There are ways to encourage firms to become increasingly more competitive when functioning within a fertile environment designed to maximize innovative assets. The study of economic clusters helps us think of ways in which economies can develop. Innovation is becoming increasingly important to industry as well as to government stakeholders because it often comes with financial rewards such as improvement in GDP, taxes and/or wages (...part of the model is quality of life but is often seen as less imporant. It is essential to growth.)

The first manuscript presented below is on company based level and the second is focused more on a regional level. It is important to understand the nature of a phenomenon and what factors go into creating a viable cluster. One needs to understand current research and then take a step forward beyond what is available or known to further advance science. At least that might be a good goal.

Study 1: The study Strategy, Efficiency, Structure and Manufacturing Performance helps understand how manufacturing within a competitive environment leads to operational efficiciency and innovation (Handoyo, S. et. al 2023). Companies that proactively adapt strong practices outperform those who take defensive strategies. In the cluster theory I'm working on a level of competition-collaboration leads to faster operational, research and technology adaptation cross-industry in many cases (depending on how a cluster is designed.). Theoretically a cluster should be designed to create an environment with the right balance of pressures to limit stagflation but also maximize healthy adjustments.

Study 2: From a regional level we know that fostering innovation and development rests on the ability to attract firms to the area that sets the base for development. Special care should be taken in selecting anchor industries because they can catalize innovation in other areas. Start-ups based around the needs of these anchor industries sometimes take a life of their own. According to Regional Innovation and Economic Growth the amount of innovative firms in an area lead, research and development (R&D) investments, open innovation, and high-medium tech industries drive for greater Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP)  (Pyo & Choi, 2025).

Handoyo, S. et. al (2023). A business strategy, operational efficiency, ownership structure, and manufacturing performance: The moderating role of market uncertainty and competition intensity and its implication on open innovation. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 9 (2). 100039, ISSN 2199-8531, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100039.

Sangjae Pyo, Sang Ok Choi, (2025) Regional innovation and economic growth: Empirical insights from FGLS, FE-DKSE, and XGBoost-SHAP approach. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 11 (2) ISSN 2199-8531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100524