HUMAN OR SYSTEM - Which one is needed more in institutional efficiency ?

Posu Joseph, Lagos

My quest in search of the origin of life opened my senses to some unresolved mysteries by even the most intelligent among the most renown scientists.

The mystery of eggs and chicken is yet to be resolved. When you ask a scientist ,which one came first, chicken or eggs, the likely answer is the search is in progress.

The same applies to the mystery of protein and DNA. Protein is needed for DNA to function but DNA can't function without pre - existing protein. Then, which one came first ?

This same mystery exists when it comes to institutional management, especially in our public institutions.

We need to build world-rated systems and structures to curb corruption and promote accountability.

Then arises the question of ' Can systems be built without humans ? '.

System , by simple definition , has to do with the nexus and connections that exist between inter - dependent and inter - related units but working towards achieving a common goal.

One major important feature of a system is that the unit components are so related such that once there is a deficiency in any of the units, it makes the whole system malfunctional.

Example is body system that works for the goal of living. When you have toothache for instance, the whole body fails to function properly.

The same applies to football team. Each player is a component unit. From defence to attack through the mid - field, the team will become affected if any of the units is not doing optimally well.

 You may think of anything that works through connections between different units and what you have is a system. From your computer to car, from sound system to water system, they function inter - independently but inter - relatedly.

In relation to organization, a system is designed when clear goals are defined for each unit working independently but inter-relatedly with other components for the whole organization to achieve its targeted or set goals.

 The units could be in terms of departments, processes, technologies or procedures designed to function  together. When any of the component is deficient, it affects the whole organization and smart managers could calculate, percentage - wise , the effects of the unit deficiency on the overall performances.

In Nigeria political space, it is generally believed that we have porous systems that are not functioning. I am tempted to query if  a system functions independent of humans.

Human efforts are needed to build a system and structure and to make it workable. However, can the systems function without integrity-minded people in place ?

I will relate a typical scenario here. We have had cases  where gas station attendants often alter the pump meters so that unsuspecting customers are defrauded. A system already designed- fuel pumps, however, the purpose became defeated because of human factors.

The fact remains that humans are the animals created with capacity for imagination, creativity , thought, consciousness etc. With this , we determine what to be and not to be.

 We may decide to live in the Moon or in the Mars as the trend currently is. We may decide to build bridges over the ocean. We decided to fly like birds and it is possible today. We can achieve whatever we want to achieve to the extent of our imaginative abilities.

Therefore, when a system is built, the success or otherwise of  the system is a function of the integrity of those in charge.

In the 70s, China was as poor as a country in West Africa. However, the narrative changed when the people resolved to dragging the country by its jugular forward and the results are evident for all to see today.

China succeeded by designing systems but the people didn't wait for the system to function by themselves. Due to their sincerity of purpose, especially the leaders, the systems were  monitored and still monitored today.

Systems are designed by humans and could be altered by same humans. However, integrity and resolve to moving forward should be considered paramount in designing institutional systems especially in the public institutions.