294 THE ROI OF HUMAN CAPITAL
Principle5:TheValuePathIsOftenCovered;
Analysis Uncovers the Pathway
One of the major barriers to measuring qualitative, intangi-
ble human capital factors is the belief that we cannot dem-
onstrate cause and effect. Many unknown and unknowable
forces constantly in action make it impossible to prove any-
thing in business. Nevertheless, being clear about our desti-
nation, knowing the positive and negative forces along the
way, and understanding the process necessary for the jour-
ney increase the odds that we will travel by the most expedi-
tious route and arrive ahead of the hunch players.
Princip le 6: Coincide nce Ma y Lo ok Lik e
Correlation but Is Often Just Coincidence
It is a great temptation to claim that factors