C091

Agency

B13 Autonomy & Agency
Core LayerMML-1

Version v1.3.2

Definition

The extent to which a person experiences themselves as a causal force: “I can,” “I can influence,” “I choose,” rather than a merely reacting one.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Low agency: feels little impact; gives up faster; waits for external rescue or instruction.

High Pole

High agency: feels high impact; initiates; looks for actionable paths even under constraints.

Reference

Domain-dependent: high in familiar domains, lower in new or threatening ones.

Measure

Time-to-action after encountering a problem (initiative latency).

Measuring Methods

• Obstacle tasks: how quickly alternatives are tried.
• Decision history: waiting vs. acting patterns.
• Self-report validated by behavior: control-taking tendency.

Empirical Anchor

Agency / self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977); locus of control (Rotter, 1966); perceived behavioral control (Ajzen, 1991).

Notes

• Distinct from momentary willpower: agency is a control-frame, not a current energy reserve.
• Risks at MIN: passivity, dependence.
• Risks at MAX: illusion of over-control, conflict with reality.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Agency (HES Passport C091, v1.3.2). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/C091

BibTeX

@misc{hes_C091, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Agency}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport C091, v1.3.2}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/C091}} }