The Business of Quotientization

There is something inherently attractive about equations. When mathematical problems or social issues are framed as equations, they immediately draw attention. This is especially true for human-centric issues, where an equation can win our trust. We often accept an objective representation of a subjective issue without question.

An equation consists of numbers and includes both a numerator and a denominator. When we solve an equation, we arrive at a value for ‘X,’ which is considered infallible and beyond dispute. In this context, let’s explore the validity of some popular equations related to intelligence, such as Emotional, Social and Spiritual Intelligence (ESS), among

others.

One of the first points to consider is the relationship between emotions and intelligence, social norms and intelligence and of course, spirituality and intelligence. It seems that combining the term 'intelligence' with ESS makes it sound more scientific, but the fundamentals remain the same. For example, a mother's love for her child is rooted in emotions—it's unspoken and spontaneous, something inherently felt. Adding ‘intelligence’ to ‘emotion’ does not enhance its value or scientific credibility.

Similarly, spirituality is a deeply personal experience. It is an inward journey, each individual facing unique challenges which he/ she must navigate on one's own. One may question how adding the term ‘intelligence’ renders spirituality scientific and if it's even necessary. The same logic applies to ‘social intelligence.’

Even if we assume that these terms seem more acceptable to individuals with a scientific mindset, the question then arises: what do we place in the numerator and denominator? What is the numerical outcome of the ratio? Even if we assign values to these aspects, can we eliminate subjectivity, or are we merely creating an appearance of objectivity? 

Take for instance, the so-called objective rating of individual performance—often following a bell curve. When the results are announced, the subjective backlash that arises within organizations is well-known. Employees, through experience, instinctively recognize that objective assessments involve a significant degree of subjectivity. In other words, bias and favouritism.

Therefore, it may be more prudent to leave issues such as emotion, spirituality and social norms as they are, rather than attempting to quantify them through a business lens.