ABSTRACT
The development of a macro-decision system is itself a “macro” project which could have a notable impact on society. For those who prefer a long-range point of view, a “macro-chronic” timespan, the effect of technological efforts on future generations is a critical element of assessment. Macro-systems are capable of self-generated growth, without consideration of the dislocations they may cause in the future. Macro-programs become institutions in themselves, but without built-in control mechanisms for self-examination, evaluation, or alteration of their program goals. James McHale’s paper provides a shocking case example of the world macro-problem in action. “Agribusiness”—the collective noun referring to all large-scale, capital-intensive agriculture—is a macro-system whose purpose appears to be maximization of current return on capital in food production, through concentration of landholdings, mechanization, and fertilization. The ethno-centric value system would also be consistent with a macro-chronic time frame, and the ego-centric with the micro-chronic.
