A new book by David Hawk, 'Human Nature and the Potential in Nurture,' examines the relationship between human behavior, social systems, and environmental decline, arguing that the approaches used to govern people often extend into humanity's interaction with nature. Drawing from academic research, professional practice, and international collaboration, the work investigates how human interactions influence environmental conditions and how social structures contribute to ecological challenges.
The book originated from research conducted during Hawk's doctoral studies in systems sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. Working with the Institute of International Business at the Stockholm School of Economics, the project involved participation from twenty firms and six governments. The resulting work explores how patterns of regulation, control, and strategic threats shape relationships among individuals and institutions, and how similar approaches affect interactions with the natural world.
Throughout the book, Hawk examines the link between environmental deterioration and human decision-making, focusing on underlying social structures rather than solely on ecological outcomes. The discussion spans interpersonal relationships, organizational behavior, and public policy, presenting a systems-based perspective on how societal actions affect broader environmental conditions. The book also incorporates observations from Hawk's extensive professional background in engineering, planning, architecture, leadership development, and higher education, examining how institutions develop responses to complex problems and how those responses can sometimes reinforce the conditions they seek to address.
Hawk stated, 'The work grew from a desire to better understand the relationship between human systems and natural systems, and how patterns of behavior influence both. The research sought to examine those connections through a systems perspective.'
Hawk, raised on a farm in Iowa, pursued studies in engineering, city planning, and corporate planning. He served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968 during his engineering education. His career has included work in the United States, Sweden, Finland, Japan, England, China, and other international settings. Over several decades, he has contributed to projects in urban planning, business management, public policy, engineering, and executive education, serving as a professor, academic administrator, and program developer.
'Human Nature and the Potential in Nurture' is available through major online booksellers in print and digital formats, including Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Walmart.
