The use of Tacit Risk Knowledge as Practical Wisdom and MCDA/MCDM in Risk Management

The use of  Tacit Risk Knowledge as Practical Wisdom and MCDA/MCDM in Risk Management

Disclaimer from the Author:
Using a variety of frameworks and best practices that I have come across during my academic and professional career, this article is a study and reflection of my PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE. The given examples and figures are conceptual in nature and should be regarded as guiding principles rather than actual situations or fully verified data.
Instead of using this content as a final source for operational frameworks or policy implementation, readers are encouraged to use it as a reference for investigating concepts and tactics. Although the insights are intended to stimulate critical thinking and comprehension, neither official government procedures nor empirical research serve as their foundation.
When applying these ideas to actual circumstances, users should use caution and look for additional information or expert advice. 

A strong framework for managing both quantifiable and unquantifiable risks is presented by the combination of structured tools such as Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) or Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) with practical wisdom (phronesis) in the dynamic field of risk management.

1. Tacit Risk Knowledge as Practical Wisdom
Aristotle defined phronesis, or practical wisdom, as the implicit knowledge gained via moral judgement, introspection, and experience. When it comes to risk management, it shows up as:

making decisions based on intuition when information is ambiguous or lacking.

ethical judgement when risks have human repercussions that go beyond technical measurements.

Contextual sensitivity enables leaders to strike a balance between regulations and adaptability based on the circumstances.

Because it is ingrained in leadership practices, cultural norms, and situational learning, implicit risk is frequently uncodified. An experienced public health official might, for instance, "sense" the beginning of a crisis before official signs appear. Even though these insights are difficult to quantify, they are extremely valuable, particularly in high-stakes situations where ontological and epistemic uncertainties are prevalent.

By incorporating practical wisdom, organisations can:

When standard protocols aren't enough, adapt.

Identify "soft signals," or early indicators of possible dangers.

Make ethical and socially conscious choices in challenging situations.

However, in institutional or policy contexts where accountability is crucial, tacit knowledge alone may be problematic due to its lack of transparency and reproducibility.

2. Structured Decision-Making in the Face of Uncertainty (MCDA/MCDM)
The systematic equivalent of practical wisdom is offered by MCDA/MCDM. It allows decision-makers to evaluate a number of conflicting factors in an open and repeatable manner, including cost, safety, flexibility, environmental impact, and ethical considerations.

MCDA is especially helpful in risk management for:

arranging risks according to their impact, likelihood, and severity across a variety of dimensions.

assessing risk-reduction tactics and balancing immediate expenses with long-term gains.

promoting stakeholder participation since various viewpoints can be incorporated into the weightings and criteria.

MCDA, for example, can be used to balance health risks, infrastructure strain, economic gain, and community well-being when managing the influx of tourists to a local government unit (LGU). The qualitative observations of local leaders and public servants who depend on common sense are enhanced by this quantitative synthesis.

3. Combining the Two Methods
Combining MCDA/MCDM with common sense results in a thorough risk management framework that connects analysis and intuition:

Dimension of Useful Knowledge MCDA/MCDM
NatureContext-specific, implicit, and intuitiveUsefulness that is clear, organised, and methodicalManaging ambiguity, morality, and quick decisionsSetting priorities, weighing options, and making open decisions
RestrictionsSubjective and difficult to duplicatecould simplify complicated realities too much.
Best UseLow-data or high-uncertainty situationsComparison of multiple factors with specific objectives

Combining the two allows decision-makers to ensure that choices are well-reasoned and structured while also honouring the subtleties of human judgement.

In conclusion
By combining qualitative insight and quantitative rigour, risk management is enhanced by utilising MCDA/MCDM and incorporating practical wisdom as tacit knowledge. Because risks frequently cross technical, social, ethical, and spiritual dimensions, this dual approach is particularly important when making decisions in the public sector. Together, they create a well-rounded approach that can competently and morally navigate the unknown and uncertain while also managing known risks.

References:

Asana. (n.d.). Risk management process: Step-by-step guide. https://asana.com/resources/project-risk-management-process

BibleRef. (n.d.). What does Proverbs 16:9 mean? https://www.bibleref.com/Proverbs/16/Proverbs-16-9.html

1000minds. (n.d.). Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA/MCDM). Retrieved from https://www.1000minds.com/decision-making/what-is-mcdm-mcda

Pressbooks. (n.d.). Aristotelian Virtue Ethics – Phronesis. Pressbooks. https://pressbooks.pub/phronesis/chapter/virtue-ethics/

HR on the Edge: The Risk of Ignoring the Rise of the ‘Polygamous Worker’ in the Philippines

Disclaimer from the Author:
Using a variety of frameworks and best practices that I have come across during my academic and professional career, this article is a study and reflection of my PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE. The given examples and figures are conceptual in nature and should be regarded as guiding principles rather than actual situations or fully verified data.
Instead of using this content as a final source for operational frameworks or policy implementation, readers are encouraged to use it as a reference for investigating concepts and tactics. Although the insights are intended to stimulate critical thinking and comprehension, neither official government procedures nor empirical research serve as their foundation.
When applying these ideas to actual circumstances, users should use caution and look for additional information or expert advice. 

In the Philippines, there was a time when a steady job was the ultimate goal. For decades, workers like Tito Ramil gave their lives to one company. He punched in at 8 a.m., punched out at 5 p.m., stayed loyal, paid his dues, and walked away with a modest pension and a few plaques at retirement.

Thirty years ago, climbing the corporate ladder was a badge of honor. It meant stability, security, and status.

But now? That ladder looks rusty-and dangerously unstable.

The Career Crisis HR Can't Ignore

Today's workforce is not merely evolving-it is mutating. AI is automating jobs faster than HR can hire. Inflation is outgrowing pay brackets. Talent is shifting abroad to freelance gigs that pay better, while loyalty is increasingly seen as career suicide.

Even graduates from the top universities in the country-UP, Ateneo, La Salle-go straight to careers they thought were worthwhile, only to find their earnings minimal. Barely enough for rent, much less for a decent life.

This is the modern Filipino twist: Diversify. Adapt. Hustle.

The Rise of the Polygamous Worker

Meet Ate Maricel. Full-time at the BPO at night, selling secondhand clothes on Carousel during the day, and creating TikTok content over the weekend while nurturing her garden as a plantita. The "polygamous worker" is an emerging population of the Philippine workforce, especially among millennials and Gen-Zs.

For these new generations, employment has been viewed primarily as a method of making money. Not so for Ate Maricel, who refuses to get caught in any rut.

The HR Risk: Losing Relevance

The danger for HR leaders today is simple: if we don't adapt, we will be left behind.

Companies still built around traditional employment structures—9 to 5s, long service awards, career ladders—are struggling to attract and retain top talent. While HR policies emphasize “loyalty” and “stability,” the workforce is thinking “flexibility” and “exit plan.”

Here’s the hard truth: your next best employee may not want to be full-time. They might be looking for hybrid setups, project-based work, or creative room to build a side hustle on the side. If your policies don’t support that, they’ll go somewhere—or work for themselves.

What HR Needs to Rethink

1. Flexible Work Models
   Stop resisting remote work, output-based evaluations, and asynchronous teams. The best talent now values time more than titles.

2. Side Hustle Friendly Culture
   Allow employees to explore passions outside work without judgment. You’re more likely to retain a happy, fulfilled worker than a stressed-out loyalist.

3. Career Growth That Actually Pays
   Promotions should come with meaningful pay bumps. Recognition without compensation doesn’t retain talent anymore.

4. Mental Health and Wellbeing
   The hustle is real—but burnout is, too. HR must actively support wellness to keep the human in human resources.

5. Reimagine Loyalty
   Loyalty is no longer measured in years of service but in moments of impact and mutual respect. Think partnership, not ownership.

Bible Verse to Anchor This Shift

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…”
— Ephesians 5:15–16 (ESV)

In a world of disruption, wise stewardship of time and talent is a must—for workers and HR leaders alike.

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Conclusion: HR’s Role in a Multi-Income World

HR must become the bridge, not the barrier. The rise of the polygamous worker isn't a threat—it’s a signal. A call to rebuild systems that no longer work and to support a workforce that's redefining what success looks like.

Adapt or fade. Support or lose. The choice is ours.

The Hazard of Being Excessively Polite : When Affection Understate Overlooked

Disclaimer from the Author:
Using a variety of frameworks and best practices that I have come across during my academic and professional career, this article is a study and reflection of my PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE. The given examples and figures are conceptual in nature and should be regarded as guiding principles rather than actual situations or fully verified data.
Instead of using this content as a final source for operational frameworks or policy implementation, readers are encouraged to use it as a reference for investigating concepts and tactics. Although the insights are intended to stimulate critical thinking and comprehension, neither official government procedures nor empirical research serve as their foundation.
When applying these ideas to actual circumstances, users should use caution and look for additional information or expert advice. 

In a world that rewards aggressive need and risky ambition, courtesy takes on a double-edged sword; even in the context of the workplace.

Many of us are actually brought up to be dutiful, humble and soft-spoken, especially in the Philippines. We say "opo" to everybody, if there are meetings, nobody talks or interrupts and defies the opinion of our boss even if we have something good to say about it.

But there's a truth that is hard to swallow; it happens that being overly polite costs visibility, opportunities, and yes, even a promotion sometimes.

When "Politeness" Turns to Passivity

Being kind-even sweet and polite-is not a bad thing. It is, in fact, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). But there is that delicate balance between courtesy and passivity. The latter will be left with nothing because he did not even turn up for the meetings, while the former will earn admiration.

Take the example of Mica, a project coordinator based in one of Makati firms. Mica is always early, hardly complains, willingly helps the team even without being told to do so, and at times even allows others to take the credit during presentations. Everybody calls her "super bait"- but when promotion came, she was overlooked for a louder colleague who did not mind blowing their trumpets.

Mica wasn't less competent-she was just less visible.

The Corporate World Rewards Voice

Companies promote people who are seen as leaders—and leadership isn't just about hard work; it's also about presence. If you’re always agreeable, always silent, and always deferential, people might mistake your silence for a lack of initiative.

You might be thinking, “But isn’t humility a virtue?” Absolutely. But even humility has strength. Jesus Himself was humble, yet He spoke with authority. He confronted injustice. He challenged the status quo—with grace, yes—but also with courage.

Bible Verse to Reflect On

“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
— Proverbs 28:1 (NIV)

As Christians, we're called to be bold in truth and courageous in purpose—not arrogant, not aggressive, but bold enough to step forward and use the gifts God gave us.

So What Can You Do?

1. Speak up with confidence – Share your ideas in meetings. You don't have to be loud—just clear and intentional.

2. Track your wins – Don’t be afraid to mention your accomplishments in evaluations or when opportunities come up.

3. Say no when needed – Boundaries are healthy. Being polite doesn’t mean being a pushover.

4. Ask for what you deserve – Promotion, raise, new project—if you've earned it, request it. Don’t wait to be noticed.

Final Thoughts: Be Kind—but Also Strategic

Politeness is beautiful. But don’t let it silence you.

Your talents, ideas, and value won’t shine if you’re always stepping aside for others. Remember: God didn’t give you a spirit of timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). So be kind, but also be bold. You were made to lead, not just to assist.

When Being Too Polite Becomes a Problem: The Risk of Being Misunderstood and Overlooked

Disclaimer from the Author:
Using a variety of frameworks and best practices that I have come across during my academic and professional career, this article is a study and reflection of my PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE. The given examples and figures are conceptual in nature and should be regarded as guiding principles rather than actual situations or fully verified data.
Instead of using this content as a final source for operational frameworks or policy implementation, readers are encouraged to use it as a reference for investigating concepts and tactics. Although the insights are intended to stimulate critical thinking and comprehension, neither official government procedures nor empirical research serve as their foundation.
When applying these ideas to actual circumstances, users should use caution and look for additional information or expert advice. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong in someone being kind, courteous, and having general good manners; in fact, we need more of it in this world today. But sometimes, when we are always trying to be nice and respectful and agreeable, we risk something we did not intend to: being overlooked, misjudged, or, worse, taken advantage of.

Let's face it: sometimes, being the nice guy or the nice girl can come back to bite you. You don't want to cause waves, so you agree to do additional work, sit back and say little in meetings, or let someone else take the credit for your ideas. You give way and hang out in the background, hoping the world will recognize your quiet contribution.

What do you do when they do not?

The Real-Life Syndrome of the Silent Worker

Take Clarisse, for instance. For six years now, she has been working in the same Quezon City office. She has not complained, finishes her tasks on time, and goes out of her way to help her team whenever they lag behind. Still, over the years, it has been the loudest and most assertive co-workers who have been promoted and recognized by management, not because they were better, but because they speak up. Clarisse's politeness, commendable as it is, has rendered her invisible.

There is a thin line that lies between humility and the erasure of one's view.

What the Bible Says About Speaking Out and Knowing Your Worth

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."

—Philippians 4:5

True, the Bible says gentleness and kindness are right—but so numerous are the stories of God's heroes asking for what is theirs and taking a stand. Jesus was gentle, yes; but not Jesus.

How to Stay Kind Without Losing Your Voice

1. Set Boundaries with Grace – You can say “no” with respect. It’s not rude—it’s healthy.

2. Speak When It Matters – If something’s wrong or unfair, don’t let politeness stop you from speaking up.

3. Claim Your Value – You don’t have to be loud, but you do need to show up and own your space.

4. Pray for Courage – Ask God to help you balance humility with boldness.

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Final Thoughts: Gentleness is Power Under Control

Kindness is not weakness. Jesus showed us that you can flip tables in the temple and wash the feet of your disciples. You can be both polite and powerful. But don’t let your gentleness become an excuse to stay small. God created you to be a light—not a shadow.

So the next time you're tempted to stay quiet or fade into the background, remember: Your voice matters. Your presence matters. And being kind doesn’t mean being silent.

The Hidden Risk of a Lax Attitude: Settling for Less When God Offers More

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,
to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20–21 (NIV)

Moreover, we live in a culture that fully advocates, "Just chill. It is okay. Bahala na." It is also true that while rest and peace are essential, there is also a dangerous comfort in getting so comfortable and relaxed. A very lax attitude can seem to rob us quietly from the greater things that God would want to do in and through us.

That is the danger of settling for 'okay' when God wants to do 'amazing.'

While there are certainly far worse things in life than coasting through with next-to-no effort, vague goals, or delayed obedience going through life, lying back would very likely be limiting the work of God's amazing ability in such an individual's life. Ephesians 3:20 heaps up the reminder that God is able to immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. But who really asks for grand things? How often does anyone imagine beyond their comfort zone?

One of those students who has not studied-not because the student cannot study-but because he convinces himself, "Okay nalang ito." A Christian has fantastic dreams of serving but always says "Saka na lang, maybe next year." Slowly, and imperceptibly, excellence gives way to mediocrity. The passion goes passive. The vision blurs.

Scenario in real life: Missing the More

Take Ana, a worship team volunteer in her local church in Quezon City. She has a strong voice, leadership skills, and a heart for people. But she stopped showing up for practice, started skipping devotionals, and told herself, "Okay na. Basta present ako sa Sunday." What she didn't know was that she was missing out on much more than rehearsals. She was missing out on the moments that God wanted to use to stretch and grow her for His mighty use.

Ana did not fall into sin, but she just fell into coziness.

What Can We Do?

1. Reset Your Mindset – Ask God to ignite your passion again. Laziness often begins in the heart.

2. Don’t Just Pray—Prepare – Faith without action is dead. If you’re asking God for big things, prepare like you believe they’re coming.

3. Surround Yourself with Fire-Starters – Be with people who challenge you to grow, not those who pull you into passivity.

4. Live Like There’s More—Because There Is – Ephesians 3:20 is a promise. Don’t live beneath it.

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Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle in the Shallow When You’re Called to the Deep

God’s plans are immeasurably more than we can dream of. But a lax attitude keeps us stuck in the shallow end, when we’re meant to dive into deeper waters of purpose and power.

So today, rise up. Shake off the complacency.
Because your life has more potential than your comfort zone will ever reveal.

The Risk of Worrying Too Much: Trading Peace for Fame and Pressure

Disclaimer from the Author:
Using a variety of frameworks and best practices that I have come across during my academic and professional career, this article is a study and reflection of my PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE. The given examples and figures are conceptual in nature and should be regarded as guiding principles rather than actual situations or fully verified data.
Instead of using this content as a final source for operational frameworks or policy implementation, readers are encouraged to use it as a reference for investigating concepts and tactics. Although the insights are intended to stimulate critical thinking and comprehension, neither official government procedures nor empirical research serve as their foundation.
When applying these ideas to actual circumstances, users should use caution and look for additional information or expert advice. 

The Danger of Worrying Too Much: In Exchange for Peace, A Pressure Building Dynamism

Let us be honest about it: worry has become almost second nature to us. We worry about our jobs, about paying bills, about health, about the future, about the kids, about the economy, and about what others think of us. In fact, some of us have gotten so used to worrying that, when we are not stressed, we become anxious that maybe we are just forgetting something important. Sound familiar? 

But herein lies the quiet danger: worry takes away from the life one is trying so hard to manage.

Worrying Has Never Changed Tomorrow; It Just Ends Up Wrecking Today

Jesus' words in Matthew 6:25 aren't merely poetic; they are practically wise. He points out that we worry over things such as food, clothing, and the other basics. Nothing wrong with such things coming to mind-but when worry consumes us, it shows that we trust our fears more than we trust our Father.

Because there are so many unknowns in life, worry seems like a form of control. But worry is a mental treadmill-we use our minds and emotions against ourselves but get nowhere. Instead of keeping us prepared for the future, it blinds us to the beauty of now.

Life Is So Real: The Worry Spiral

Just picture Marco, a small businessman in Cavite. There is not a day that he wakes up without worry: Will I make enough sales for today? Is my family going to be alright? What if prices hike again? He hardly notices his daughter showing him her drawing at breakfast, or the fact that his wife smiles at him. His mind, instead, is on the battlefield of tomorrow.

Worry had simply hijacked the love Kuya Marco had for his family.

What Can We Do?

1. Pause and Pray – When the spiral starts, take a deep breath. Say, “Lord, I give this to You. Help me trust You today.”

2. Focus on Today – Jesus later says in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

3. Practice Gratitude – List three things you’re thankful for every morning. Worry and gratitude can’t sit at the same table.

4. Stay in Community – Talk to someone. Often, voicing your worry makes it lose its power.

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Final Thoughts: Life Is Bigger Than the Battle

You weren’t made to live under pressure 24/7. You were made to breathe, love, enjoy, grow, laugh—and yes, even rest. Don’t trade the peace God offers for the pressure the world sells.

So today, choose trust over worry. Because your life is worth more than the things you're afraid of losing.

Polygamous Worker

In the Philippines, once upon a time, a steady employment life meant everything to someone. For decades, many Pinoys, like Tito Ramil, sacrificed their lives for one company. He punched in at 8 a.m., punched out at 5 p.m., paid dues, retired with a small pension, and with a few plaques of appreciation. Thirty years ago, climbing that corporate ladder was the dream.

But now? That shaky ladder looks broken.

With AI taking jobs, inflation raises the cost of living before salaries do, and companies are off-shoring and firing workers to cut cost, the steady career path that used to be the golden ticket is deemed worthless. Application opens and closes for UP and Ateneo graduates working within their respective fields, if they get the job, it's payday is barely enough to survive much less to thrive".

Thus arose the concept of "the polygamous worker," the modern-day Filipino who is juggling multiple income streams. Enter Ate Maricel. The full-time BPO agent during the night, an online seller of pre-loved clothes on Carousel during daytime, and an occasional plantita and TikTok content creator on weekends. Having full-time work isn't the norm for most millennials and Gen-Z anymore, and many perceive career loyalty to be a gamble.

While "passive income" is gaining traction as the holy grail if you have any semblance of this standard of life in the Philippines.