INTEGRATION
Integration seeks to integrate differences in perspective and terminology across social groups of various types as well as disciplines. It extends from our formal education into the world, and presupposes the essential unity of knowledge. A good current example is Big History, a multi-pronged effort to reexamine human history within the context of the wider history of the universe. A related word with some currency is consilience, a principle that evidence from independent, unrelated sources can converge on strong unifying conclusions. In other words, when multiple sources of evidence are in agreement, the conclusion can be very strong even when none of the individual sources of evidence is significantly so on its own. The opposite of integration, by the way, is disintegration.
What College Major Should an Entrepreneur Have?
Kelly Bradshaw
What college major should an entrepreneur have? Should an entrepreneur even go to college? Should they go to an Ivy for a semester and then drop out because that makes a great story? Should they major in business management or accounting? What about engineering?
What I am going to say might surprise you and slightly confuse you. I think the answer is Literature. Well, sort of.
We all have preconceived notions about what aligns with entrepreneurship or being a successful businessperson. I was originally a public policy major because I had no idea what I wanted to do. I ended up in the business school first semester and never looked back. I tried on different hats— even being an accounting major for a little too long. I ended up in the Computer Information Systems major and have truly found my home. My mind catches fire whenever I launch my Amazon Web Services instance and type “ssh” into my command line. I am comfortable and at peace as I draw an entity relationship diagram for a database. I like problem solving, building, and the fast-paced nature of information technology.
But, I also love to read.
My mind is nourished by the books I read in my free time. They've helped me become a better student, even if the topics have nothing to do with CIS. The more I read about business, the more I truly understand business. Business literature lives in my heart and gives me wisdom. I think what is so exciting about literature is that it allows me to be the captain of my own educational ship, with the classroom being my bedroom or porch swing, and my class time being early in the morning or whenever I find a sliver of time during the day. By expanding my horizons from business non-fiction to just non-fiction—or even mythology—my love for organizational storytelling, or how an organization develops is enriched. I understands their core values and how they are conveyed and translated through organizational activities, evoking emotion. By understanding how to develop an organizational story through my research model, I feel like becoming an entrepreneur and developing my own organizational story is the natural next step. Understanding literature—something seemingly so opposite to entrepreneurship—has taught me more about organizations and building an organization than I could have ever learned in a classroom.
Jeff Bezos majored in electrical engineering and computer science at Princeton. He went to work for a large hedge fund in New York City, but saw the potential of the internet. By the time he was 30, Bezos was a senior vice president at this hedge fund and ready to take his first entrepreneurial leap. He had this idea to sell books online. He loved to read as a child. It's still one of his favorite hobbies. He was advised against leaving his stable job to pursue what we know now as Amazon. That is the beginning of his story—and the story of one of the largest organizations in the world. I wonder if his understanding of storytelling as an avid reader guided him at Amazon in any way? I would love to ask him.
Why Humans Make Choices in the Real World: Integrating Insights from the Fields of Psychology and Economics
Jake Pinello
Being a Nobel Laureate is one of the highest achievements in the academic world. Whether it be in literature, physics, chemistry, medicine, or economics, receiving a Nobel Prize represents the culmination of a life-long pursuit of knowledge. Although this prestigious award’s recipient tends to be directly involved in the field they are recognized in, the increasing desire to incorporate cross-disciplinary perspectives into academic work has allowed academics to receive Nobel Prizes in fields that would not be considered their own.
Enter Daniel Kahneman and Richard Thaler. Kahneman and Thaler received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2002 and 2017 respectively. While most economic work is more descriptive rather than predictive, these world-renowned academics produced ground-breaking research that offered valuable insights into the “why” behind economics.
What makes these academics such interesting recipients of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences? Daniel Kahneman did not receive a formal education in the field of economics, but rather in the field of psychology. And although Richard Thaler did possess a Ph.D. in economics, his views and approaches to research were widely seen as unorthodox and irrelevant. These two men integrated concepts from psychology into concepts accepted in the field of economics. In the process they created a new field that offers solutions to issues that have faced economists for decades. This field is known today as Behavioral Economics.
Standard economic theory relies on the concept that human beings are rational decision makers. In economic models this means that every person is assumed to know exactly which course of action will result in the largest benefit and the least associated cost. This assumption has proven to be a relatively good way to explain the aggregated actions of people throughout history. The issue that arises from this proposition, however, is that most of the populations of interest in economic studies do not behave in ways that simulate the aggregated behavior of all individuals. Behavioral economics addresses this issue by incorporating microlevel psychological ideologies into a hybrid model of economic and psychological thought. Daniel Kahneman and Richard Thaler are two of the individuals that are widely associated with the creation of Behavioral Economics, and their integrative approach to research has produced more insightful findings than much of the work done through the lens of standard economics.
One criticism that economic theories face involves the number of assumptions made for any given scenario. For example, an economic theory might say that if Person A can be described by Characteristic A, Characteristic B, and Characteristic C, then putting him or her in Situation A will result in Outcome A. What this fails to address is the fact that it is unlikely for all people in the population of interest to have all three of those characteristics. This creates a need for more in-depth analysis of other possible confounding variables that change the outcome of any given situation. What psychology brings to the table is almost a century’s worth of behavioral insights that can help to explain some of the variation in behavior across individuals who do not satisfy all of the assumptions.
Take a problem like retirement savings. A rational decision maker would be aware that in order to have prolonged financial security in life, one must sacrifice current consumption in order to have adequate savings for post-career endeavors. If this was true, then why are the vast majority of Americans not on track to have enough money in the bank by the time they retire?
This is a real-world scenario with real-world consequences, yet the model we use remains confused as to why people do not save enough money for retirement. From a behavioral economic lens, we are able to conceptualize a solution that will work in the real world rather than in the assumed world. Richard Thaler’s 2008 book Nudge shows data that suggests a simple solution such as changing the default option for a worker’s retirement savings plan from “opt-in” to “opt-out” significantly increases the rate of savings of American workers. Why does this happen? It happens due to the psychologically informed concept of the status quo bias.
What this means is that people are more likely to choose an option that requires less deviation from the status quo, or existing state of affairs. Not only does this have implications in retirement savings, but also in things like choosing which medical coverage to pick, tipping the barista at your local coffee shop, or even voting in political elections. Whatever is perceived to be the default option is more likely to be selected, due to the automatic psychological responses of our brains. This example is representative of the integration of two fields that are related, but separate. Without this integration, Americans would continue to save less than they need to for retirement.
The actual process of integration is less important than the implications of integration.
On paper, in textbooks, and in theory, any one-sided perspective is enough to simplify and explain the issues we face in the world. These perspectives are lacking in their applicability to the real world however, which means that all of the work done in pursuit of explaining things is one-dimensional and non-influential. In order to apply the implications of research to the real-world, we must match the complexity of the analyses with the complexity of reality. Integration across disciplines allows us to do this in a way that appropriately incorporates field-specific concepts into the broader sense of their meaning. Without it, we are left with a library of literature that is interesting to read and understand. With it, we are armed with a set of tools that makes explaining the world and changing behavior a realistic goal rather than an unrealistic dream.
The Ethical Dilemma of Human Life
Minh Nguyen
Is the American healthcare system becoming more and more like a business? When will we see the value of human life overtaken by greed?
According to Harvard medical doctor Dr. Robert H. Shmerling, the US healthcare system is expensive, complicated, dysfunctional, and broken. Here are some examples of how the US healthcare system is broken: the US scores poorly on many key measures such as preventable chronic diseases, life expectancy, and maternal mortality; uneven access to healthcare; and misdirected investments towards healthcare, i.e., emphasis on specialty care. Education and advocating for the healthcare system should be taken into consideration. I am a student pursuing a career in medicine. How will it be possible for me to provide the most efficient patient care within such a flawed system?
In America, we’re known to be the land of opportunity and innovation. Despite the negative perceptions of the healthcare system, it seems that we’ve become complicit in perpetuating its unethical practices. Where do we draw the line? Politics and policies aside, how can we continue to allow these practices to continue? Instead of focusing on the negatives of the healthcare system, how could we as citizens and scholars advocate for alternatives/improvements in the healthcare system? Instead of getting our priorities twisted, the current generation must tackle old structural problems and also focus on new priorities.
There is a silver lining of improvement for the US healthcare system. Several examples of this include focusing on improving health, addressing racial disparities, expanding access to health, building integrated systems, and adopting value based care. One crucial goal that we must consider is rebuilding the trust of the American people. Despite being a country composed of many beautiful cultures, when it comes down to life and health, we must cherish it. For the love of my country and for the love of the people, I hope to one day see and participate in the change we need.
Startups vs. the Health Industry: Bridging the Gap with Health Administration
Matthew Drumheller
Startups and the health industry might seem worlds apart, but they actually share some common challenges. Both operate in rapidly changing environments, are under pressure to innovate, and increasingly need sustainable practices. Yet, there’s a key difference in their focus: startups prioritize speed and growth, while the health industry is centered on regulation and safety. This discrepancy is often where startups falter, especially when they tackle health-related services or products without a clear framework to manage employee and patient well-being. This is where health administration can play a pivotal role, offering practices that promote structure, ethical responsibility, and employee support, bridging the gap between startup agility and the health industry’s stability.
Startups are known for their fast pace and constant drive to evolve. They typically consist of small teams with people taking on more than one role, and the push to get products out quickly often outweighs careful planning. This approach sparks creativity but can also produce burnout and high turnover which becomes particularly risky in a high-stakes field like healthcare. For example, Theranos, a once promising health startup, failed spectacularly because it prioritized speed and secrecy over transparency and regulatory compliance, which fostered safety and ethical concerns. In contrast, health-tech startups like Teladoc Health have succeeded by balancing innovation with a deep understanding of regulatory requirements. Teladoc Health, a leader in telemedicine, partnered with health administrations early to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations, securing its reputation as a trusted platform for virtual healthcare.
When startups enter the health sector, they face unique pressures, they can’t focus on speed alone; they must also meet strict regulations and keep patient safety at the forefront. Here, adopting health administration practices can be invaluable. By bringing in health administration professionals who understand regulatory requirements, startups can create a culture that values compliance and patient welfare without sacrificing their innovative edge. For instance, Flatiron Health, a startup specializing in oncology data, has successfully worked with health administrators to align its data sharing practices with privacy laws while driving groundbreaking advancements in cancer research.
In contrast, the health industry is more structured and cautious. Clinics, hospitals and healthcare organizations abide by strict rules to safeguard patient safety and privacy. Changes in policy, technology, and practice are introduced slowly and carefully, prioritizing compliance and reducing risk. This cautious pace, however, can make it difficult for the health industry to adopt new technologies and approaches quickly. Startups, with their flexibility and speed, can help health organizations introduce innovations more efficiently. Companies like Butterfly Network, which developed a portable ultrasound device, have partnered with health organizations to streamline diagnostic processes. However, without the guidance of health administration, such transitions can be chaotic or risky, compromising patient safety or leading to staff burnout.
Health administration serves as a bridge between these two worlds, offering methods to integrate innovation with regulatory discipline. Health administrators offer essential skills in managing people and ensuring regulatory compliance, which can be a huge asset for startups working in the health sector. For instance a health administrator can help a health-focused startup like Livongo put policies in place that keep products in line with health regulation, set up clear communication with regulatory agencies, and foster a workplace culture that prioritizes both patient safety and employee well-being. Livongo, which provides remote monitoring for chronic conditions like diabetes, benefited greatly from health administration strategies, ensuring compliance while scaling operations.
Another area where health administration proves crucial is in promoting a sustainable work environment. Startup employees often face high stress, long hours, and job insecurity, while health industry professionals confront emotional exhaustion from caring for patients under challenging conditions. Health administration can help by setting up wellness programs, mental health support, and resources for stress management—benefits that are essential to both high-pressure environments. For example, companies like Headspace Health have integrated mental health programs into their workplace and products, ensuring that both employees and users have access to support systems.
In conclusion, while startups and the health industry operate under different principles, both can benefit from the structure and stability that health administration offers. Health administration can help startups find balance, guiding them to maintain their innovative culture while respecting the health industry’s standards. In this way, health administrations serve as a vital tool for blending the best of both worlds by fostering a more ethical, sustainable, and productive approach to healthcare innovation.
Self-Reliance and Groupthink
Aaron Ringer
Independence can mean many different things. Ralph Waldo Emerson thought of it in terms of self-reliance. Sociologists understand it as awareness of, and potentially a parting ways with, social norms. Psychologists grapple with the concept in terms of individual autonomy. For scientists it can conjure up images of objectivity, originality, and disciplinarity. Historians may lecture on American Independence, but they are also aware of little "I" independence as the pursuit of human fulfillment, liberty, and happiness.
Philosophers have done much to explore the negative connotations of independence, as with selfishness, rational egoism, and exclusion. It can also be expressed as security, self-advocacy, and self-governance. How many times have we heard about the idea of groupthink and, more specifically, the dangers and negative effects that it brings to any situation? Groupthink means that there is a compulsion to conformist thinking or just simply agreeing on an idea.
Groupthink is omnipresent in life. Consider political polarization. Two large groups who follow a set of beliefs only decided by a few. Most people will thoughtlessly follow. Or, look at the state of the media. Journalists from various outlets will run the same stories with false or misleading information without thinking about the facts. Or consider the disconnect between public and scientific knowledge around climate change. These are all real life examples of the public’s ability to approach issues without bringing to bear independent information or thinking.
These examples contradict the conventional view that Americans privilege the individual and thinking for oneself. We place a premium on individuality and being your own person but in actual fact just follow what we see on TV. How can we call ourselves individuals when most of the time we are trying to copy each other or celebrities or stay within the boundaries of what is cool.
We don’t think for ourselves, nor are we willing to articulate our own beliefs. Individual thinking is at the heart of creativity and discovery. Inability to engage in individual thinking or share or listen to others is what allows grouphink to fester. Groupthink only begins to break down when others are willing to think and share their own experiences, beliefs, or emotions.
Also important is the group’s willingness to listen to these ideas. One of the issues of groupthink comes from the suppression of individuals through ridicule, punishment, or expulsion. An atmosphere of fear discourages others from expressing opinions. If there is to be a fundamental change away from groupthink then changes must be made personally and administratively. We as individuals must first be responsible for finding more information. Whether that entails reading different kinds of news, going to opposition political rallies, or finding out what scientists really say. It is important for everyone to find this information and evaluate it for themselves. We must take the time to reflect on what we know and what we have learned to determine future actions and beliefs.
Creating our own conclusions does not mean we have to be entirely separate from the group. In fact it means we may bring even more added value to group settings. Evidence has shown that diversity (physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual), can greatly benefit the productivity of a group. Allowing voices to be heard puts more ideas into the air for others to evaluate. Evaluating ideas with empathy can allow for a greater understanding of others’ values and opinions. Analyzing things from different perspectives may change our opinion or give us a greater grasp important problems, events, and situations.
Water Resource Sustainability
Evan Reber
People should start taking more notice of environmental issues in oceans, rivers, and lakes. Water is very important to society and the ecosystem. We use water to drink, wash, cook, shower, grow crops, and make electricity. Humans are two-thirds water and need water to survive. Life revolves around water, and without it, we cannot go on. We use water in so many ways, and if it isn’t clean, then we can’t do all those things. That’s why water pollution is a big problem in the United States and all around the world. My plan is to study water pollution abatement and sustainability while mainly focusing on marine and freshwater protection, along with environmental consulting. My question is, "How am I going to make an impact on these problems in connection to my studies?" My plan of action is to get as much real-world experience in my field as possible, try to find solutions to these problems, and convert that into a career.
Water is one of the most essential and basic needs for human survival. It covers about 71 percent of the earth’s surface and is present in all living things. Water is vital not just for humans but for the entire ecosystem. It plays a crucial role in many of the planet’s natural cycles and processes, including the water cycle, which is essential for all forms of life. One of the most significant reasons why water is important is that it is a vital component of our body. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and we need to replenish this to maintain proper functions. Clean water ensures that our organs are functioning correctly, helps with digestion, and regulates body temperature.
Clean water is not only essential for humans but also for habitats and ecosystems. The availability of clean water directly affects the survival of many species of plants and animals. Without clean water, the food chain is disrupted, leading to the extinction of many species. This pollution can be detrimental to aquatic life, leading to health problems, deformities, and even death. The consumption of contaminated water can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. We need to reduce the amount of harmful substances we release into the water. We can do this by disposing of waste and hazardous chemicals, restricting the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and, most importantly, using environmentally friendly products. We can also make a difference by supporting organizations that work to protect our water sources. These organizations work to promote clean water policies, protect waterways, and educate the public about the importance of clean water.
Water is a vital resource for all living things, and clean water is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and protecting public health. We all have a responsibility to keep our water clean and to take steps to conserve this resource. By reducing pollution, conserving water, and supporting organizations that work to protect our water sources, we can make a difference in ensuring that clean water is available for generations to come.
Modernity and Native American Studies
Corinne Martin
Native American people have contemporary cultures and communities.
This seems like something that shouldn’t need to be stated. But many people cannot contemplate Native people beyond their historical images. We can attribute this to many factors, including society, media, and education.
In this essay, I want to lean into education as an important aspect of the problem. The study of Native people often seems concentrated in specific departments on college campuses. departments of History and Anthropology are centers for learning about Native American cultures, possibly because these peoples are seen mainly through the lens of the past. As a consequence, many student may never learn about Native people or issues outside of these disciplines. This reality creates bias. All of this is not to say that revaluating and acknowledging the History and Culture of Native American people is important. But we have an opportunity to highlight how Native American topics are just as common and interesting in other disciplines. Native topics can be integrated into contemporary studies. This integration is important. Natives need no longer be considered as people of the past, but as living groups that continue to innovate.
Erich Steinman takes a look at the #NODAPL movement of 2017 and how Native American people have been tied to grassroots social movements. The article is a wonderful display of how Native issues can be beautifully integrated into seemingly more ‘modern’ disciplines. The #NODAPL movement itself connects social organizing with social media and effective communication. It also intersects with environmental issues and topics of systemic racism in America. Native people, and the intersection of many contemporary studies and disciplines, lie at the heart of this movement. This is just one example of how Native topics can be integrated into more contemporary disciplines.
Another enthralling connection of Native topics to contemporary disciplines is the connection of Native culture to gender studies. Sabine Lang beautifully highlights Native perspectives on gender, particularly the two-spirit identity. Many Native communities have been expanding on their views of gender and incorporating it into their spirituality. This connection to such a modern discipline like gender studies is beneficial. Lang shows how we can integrate Native perspectives into our present. Likewise -- and possibly advocating the most the need for integration of contemporary Native topics -- Suzanne Newman Fricke’s article describes Indigenous Futurisms. Indigenous Futurism involves thinking towards the future from a Native point of view, and expressing this idea through fiction and art. By highlighting the need for Native perspectives in the future, and showcasing this idea through multiple contemporary disciplines, we see just how powerful Native topics can be when given modern recognition.
I want to be clear that the existence of new bodies of work in contemporary disciplines involves no disrespect to the disciplines of History or Anthropology. They are inherently necessary for understanding the journey of Native people and honoring the resilience of Native people throughout history. However, it is just as important to honor the resilience of Native people today and integrate their perspectives into modern disciplines. By doing so, we are reaffirming that Native people are a modern culture and community, one that is moving every day towards a better future.