Item: Yin, Yang, and You
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Title: Yin, Yang, and You
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2014 Proceedings, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Roger L. Atkins [ Canadian Mountain Holidays, Banff, AB, Canada ]
Date: 2014-09-29
Abstract: "Yin" and "Yang" are opposing but complementary elements. This concept applies well to the challenge of integrating both subjective judgment ("Yin") and rational analysis ("Yang") that must be balanced to achieve optimal backcountry travel decisions in avalanche terrain. "You" refers to the human element responsible for resolving "Yin" and "Yang" into a dynamic system with the whole greater than the sum of its parts. The objective is to recognize the strengths and the weaknesses of both perspectives and to find methods that balance these elements appropriately for the situation. Some people favor subjective judgment, others favor rational analysis; human factors related to emotion are frequently treated as an undesirable element that should have its influence eliminated. This essay takes the approach that emotional human factors inevitably influence our decisions and are potentially more beneficial than detrimental. The key is to understand the positive aspects as well as the pitfalls of human factors and to deliberately and beneficially integrate human factors into decision making. To this end, I have referenced material from the social sciences pertaining to decision making under uncertainty in different contexts unrelated to snow and avalanches and developed a concept I call "Strategic Mind-Set". This concept is presented as one possible way to involve human factors in decision making and to aid communication within groups. "Strategic Mind-Set" can apply to all backcountry travelers from individual recreationists to professional guiding teams.
Object ID: ISSW14_paper_O9.02.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Decision Making; Human Factors
Page Number(s): 233-241
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